Full Fibre History
5th October 2023
Mike Crane
Chair, South Godstone Residents' Association
A number of residents have emailed South Godstone Residents' Association (SGRA) or posted on the South Godstone Community Fibre facebook page regarding their disappointment that F&W Networks has pulled away from bringing full fibre broadband to South Godstone and Godstone.
Following the statement circulated by F&W Networks, Surrey County Council will be speaking with Building Digital UK (BDUK) to see if the formerly available Gigabit vouchers are still available once returned by F&W Networks and could A N Other full fibre broadband network builder then utilise these vouchers in due course to bring full fibre broadband to potentially properties in Godstone and South Godstone that are not covered by other commercial plans.
The South Godstone Residents Association Committee is extremely disappointed that, having got so far with this installation, F&W Networks has decided not to complete it. Throughout this project the Committee has actively tried to assist F&W in its dealings with the South Godstone community because of the benefits full fibre would have provided and, naturally, we now feel very let down and embarrassed by its decision.
Mike Crane
Chair, South Godstone Residents' Association
Please see the statement from F&W Networks in regards to the Fibre Broadband Project for South Godstone.
28th September 2023
DEAR RESIDENT,
We are writing to inform you of a significant change in priorities and focus for F&W Networks, which will have implications across all our network projects, including the full fibre Voucher Scheme in Godstone and South Godstone.
F&W Networks has decided to reallocate its resources to enhancing sales within our existing network. Unfortunately, this shift in focus will impact the Voucher Scheme in Godstone and South Godstone. After a thorough reassessment of our financial priorities, we regret to inform you that F&W Networks cannot proceed with these Voucher Scheme builds.
While we remain committed to regularly reviewing our business priorities, we must acknowledge the pressure from BDUK to complete Voucher Schemes quickly. This means that it is unlikely that these schemes can be built in the future. This decision is especially difficult considering the high level of community interest shown over the last 12 months.
For residents who have registered for vouchers, we will take the necessary steps to cancel your voucher pledge and liaise with BDUK on your behalf.
We understand that this news is disappointing, however, we remain hopeful that the government's ongoing commitment to expanding broadband access, coupled with broader commercial investments, will eventually lead to the establishment of a full fibre network in Godstone and South Godstone.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support.
Regards,
Stephen Gray
Head of Business Development | F&W Networks
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