I had another meeting today at Devon County Council ( another tomorrow also) with )senior officers i/c the Connecting Devon and Somerset Superfast Broadband scheme. I am being told slightly different things by Devon and Teignbridge Councils, but am trying to establish the truth of the situation. Be assured, I have no intention now or indeed at any time to mislead, but someone is intentionally or otherwise, misleading me.
Approx 6 weeks remain for those who have less than a 2 meg connection to apply for the £500 voucher scheme which will entitle a resident to purchase the necessary connectivity to produce a 10 – 15 meg speed. This is not perfect, of course, particularly as many European countries are now getting 30 meg as standard, but it is a significant improvement for many.
If the cost comes in at less than £500 then payment is only to the actual cost amount. A figure above £500 and the resident will be obliged to pay the remainder.There are however a number of potential suppliers; I understand that throughout Devon this amounts to 16 companies.
This scheme only applies to those who currently can show they are in the 2 meg and under category. It applies anywhere in Devon. The time frame from acceptance of application to availability of improved performance can be as little as 7 – 10 days. For some I would suggest this is worth exploring.
Please feel free to contact me or better still ring Devon County Council and ask for the CDS team. Details for applying are available by email, in hard copy or can be taken over the phone.