GigaPlus Argyll

14/12/2017

Broadband Satellite Option
You will recall that in November we sent you a message saying that unless there were a last-minute change of political will, or some other initiative, we would have to look at ways of winding up GPA. Unfortunately no such miracle has occurred, and having exhausted all ways of moving forward and been thwarted by the Public Sector at every turn we have reached the end of the road. We are taking legal advice, and when we know more about the necessary procedure for winding up GPA we will proceed.

The purpose of this message is to remind you that there is still an opportunity for some to apply for a subsidy for a satellite dish connection, but the scheme expires on 31st December 2017. You need to apply by this date, but the actual installation can be next year. You are eligible if your current speed is below 2Mb/s.

Satellite is not the best technical solution, and it can be expensive if you are downloading a lot of data or streaming video. Taking out a broadband service under this scheme will not prevent your premises from being considered for superfast broadband in the future.

The directors of GPA greatly regret that all the early promises and subsequent effort have come to nothing. It has not been for want of trying on our part.

We wish you a Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.
Yours sincerely,

Moray Finch
Chairman, GigaPlus Argyll

20/07/2017

GigaPlus Argyll Press Release. 19th July 2017 From Moray Finch Chairman of GigaPlus Argyll

At the beginning of May 2017, our contractor AB Internet confirmed what we had suspected for several weeks - that they were in financial difficulties and had decided to enter into voluntary administration. AB Internet were under contract to design a fixed wireless access network and then to build and operate it for us. This would have involved constructing around 38 masts throughout Mull, Lismore, Colonsay, Craignish, Luing and parts of Islay and Jura.

By the time they went into administration, they had successfully negotiated 11 leases with local landowners and had obtained planning consents for 27 mast sites. In addition, the fibre backhaul in Oban had been installed along with its power supply from SSE, the masts at Oban and Torosay (Mull) had been constructed and the transmitters installed. Two properties had been connected to help prove the links, as part of the normal commissioning process. Eight other masts have been erected on Mull.

It is likely that the contract with AB Internet will be terminated rather than passed onto another contractor (a process called novation). However, we are reserving judgement on this pending progress by the administrator in finding a buyer for the AB Internet business.

Despite this massive setback, we are still dedicated to find a way to deliver next generation broadband to the area within our project scope. The situation is extremely complicated; State Aid rules, which govern grant funding of broadband projects, are very strictly applied and not very well understood by anyone outside of a very small group of specialists in London. In addition, grant funding brings with it strict rules regarding how contracts are procured. All in all this means that we probably face a delay of around 12 months before we have a new contract in place.

Once we have a clear picture of a way forward, we intend to consult the communities included in the project to confirm whether they still support the project as the best means of delivering a solution to the problem of poor broadband.

The board of GigaPlus Argyll would like to take this opportunity to thank all the various landowners, supporters, steering group members, volunteers and our funders, Community Broadband Scotland and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, who have been helping with the project to date and to provide reassurance that we remain committed to vigorously pursuing a positive outcome.

GigaPlus Argyll is a membership organisation run by a board of volunteer directors drawn from the membership and encourages applications for membership – from residents in all areas covered by the project.

19/05/2017

We have been advised today (19th May 2017) that AB Internet, the supplier contracted to provide broadband services on the GigaPlus Argyll network has gone into administration.
This announcement was unforeseen and we are currently working closely with Community Broadband Scotland to assess what impact this will have on the project and what the best options are going forward.
We know how important the delivery of better broadband is to our communities and we will keep you updated as and when we learn more. If you have any queries, please contact: Richard Thorne ([email protected])

26/07/2016

Today I'm off to Colonsay with Campbell Cameron to give the community an update on the scheme. So, if you're on Colonsay this afternoon, pop down to the hall in Scalasaig and I'll see you there.

04/07/2016

Looks Like Ofcom would like to hear about your rural broadband experiences.
http://rsnonline.org.uk/services/telecoms-watchdog-seeks-rural-volunteers

TELECOMS watchdog Ofcom wants rural people to tell it about the broadband challenges they face.

07/06/2016

An Update was emailed to all who have registered their interest in GigaPlus Argyll. Although there have been a few niggles with the update it should reach everyone very soon. For those who either haven't registered at www.gigaplusargyll.co.uk or who might have missed it. The update is as follows:

GigaPlus Argyll: Superfast Broadband Update

Many thanks for registering your interest in the new superfast broadband service we are developing.

GigaPlus Argyll in association with AB Internet, the company that won the tender to design, install and operate our network, are very pleased to announce that real progress has been made. From a total so far of 38 masts in the network, the first 8 planning applications have been submitted, with the first decision due later this month. We still have a way to go, and new planning applications are being submitted every week. The network has been designed to serve the highest percentage possible of private and business premises within the project area.

The target date for the first mast to “go live” is August 2016 and we firmly believe that the entire network will be in operation before the end of the year.

AB Internet, Richard Thorne (our Project Manager), the Directors and the volunteer members of the GigaPlus Argyll Steering Group are working very hard to bring this exciting project to the earliest possible fruition.

There have been a few questions popping up about the service, so these have been answered here (see attachment).

More information can be found at GigaPlus Argyll, or AB-Internet.

Attachment List:The attachments for this e-mail can also be found at:
GigaPlus Update

Best wishes

Yours sincerely,

Moray Finch
Chairman, GigaPlus Argyll

Moray Finch, chairman of GigaPlus Argyll said: "With funding in place from Community Broadband Scotland for the GigaPlus Argyll project, some of the Directors of the new company had the chance to meet with Nicola Sturgeon today at the Oban Phoenix Cinema. Thanks to Bob Cornish and Tony Jeffree for c...

01/03/2016

Interesting reading. The GigaPlus Argyll network is progressing well and has the first mast sites going through planning at the moment.

Our regional economy will suffer if improvements aren’t made

14/12/2015

AB Internet, working for the GigaPlus Argyll community Broadband scheme is looking for people who have experience in, or equipment for:
1) Steelwork er****on and construction with groundworks and concrete base laying and also protective steel fencing.
2) Pole-work er****on with groundworks and digging equipment with protective stock fencing.
3) Antenna fitment to houses and commercial property – TV antenna and satellite installers would be welcome. AB Internet is willing to provide training for those that feel they need it.
4) Telecoms / computer / IT people for basic maintenance and repairs or advice at local level.
If you would like to be a contractor for AB Internet, please can you register your interest by emailing [email protected].

11/12/2015

From Dave Snelson - Partner Manager at AB Internet

AB Internet are pleased to be working with Mull and Iona Community Trust to bring internet access to the Islands of Mull, Iona, Lismore, Ulva, Colonsay, Islay, Luing and Jura.
AB Internet has been awarded (under open tender) public monies for the construction of internet network systems to enhance the working and leisure lives of communities in digitally disadvantaged areas. Within this context, it is recognised that the digital economy, or indeed the elimination of the digital divide, can drive recovery and improve economies, especially in areas where internet access is either poor or non-existent. The networks that AB Internet will be deploying are a hybrid of fixed line, fibre and wireless (predominantly wireless) and will involve the construction of strategically placed assets on the islands to the benefit of many communities and businesses in these areas. AB Internet will be deploying a range of affordable services with packages to suit all budgets from 2Mb up to 50Mb (defined as “Superfast”). The AB Internet deployment will allow for new technologies, such as cloud, to be available, either directly, or through IT resellers, who will also benefit from increased business activity in the region. It is the policy of AB Internet to employ local people for the installation and maintenance of the network and in the case of Gigaplus Argyll AB Internet are keen to work with local trades people to construct, install and maintain the network. The construction will consist of three key elements; steel lattice towers; telegraph poles and access equipment (small devices) to be attached to property when customers sign up for the service.
Specifically, we are looking for people who have experience in, or equipment for:
1) Steelwork er****on and construction with groundworks and concrete base laying and also protective steel fencing.
2) Pole-work er****on with groundworks and digging equipment with protective stock fencing.
3) Antenna fitment to houses and commercial property – TV antenna and satellite installers would be welcome. AB Internet are willing to provide training for those that feel they need it.
4) Telecoms / computer / IT people for basic maintenance and repairs or advice at local level.
In the first instance, please can you register your interest in providing services for the project by emailing me at [email protected]. This email address can also be used by those who wish to become a customer once the network is constructed. MICT and AB Internet look forward to hearing from you. Dave Snelson – Partner Manager, AB Internet.

30/11/2015

David Snelson
Today at 13:24
I work with AB Internet who, in turn, are proud to be associated with GPA for the roll out of high speed internet across the islands. To perform our task requires a great deal of physical construction as well as technical "know how" from our engineers. Over the coming two weeks or so, I will be pleased to add further information to your page with lists of skills that we will be looking for *locally* to hire in order that work is completed on schedule. I will also set up an email address for all interested parties so that you can enquire directly to us; and you will be most welcome to showcase your relevant skills. Many thanks. Dave Snelson. Partner Manager. AB Internet.

12/10/2015

It’s high time that an update was circulated and I’m pleased to say that progress has continued to be steady and significant. At the end of June the contract was signed and I can now announce the company that we will be working with to bring next generation broadband to; Iona, Luing, Lismore, Colonsay, the vast majority of Jura and the remoter parts of Mull, Islay and the Craignish peninsula. The company is AB Internet who is a Lincoln based specialist company who have a track record of delivering broadband in not only urban but very remote areas. This is a major step forward and the real work has started.

Senior management and the project team from AB Internet have visited Mull not only to meet the full GigaPlus Argyll team but to commence the task of surveying the island and to become more acquainted with the ways of the Scottish West Coast. The first installations on Mull will be Loch Buie and Croggan and the aim is that these will be going live during the spring of 2016.

The surveys are being carried out by land and air to be as thorough as possible. Once complete a map will be produced of where the main transmitters will be needed to ensure a “ring” can be set up. By using a ring this ensures far better reliability as the connection to the Internet, known as the backhaul is in more than one place. Meetings with the area planning authority have started and the process of dealing with the significant number of planning applications is being negotiated. Similarly meetings with owners of the land are also starting.

30/09/2015

Just back from a great community update meeting on Jura. We had a very friendly reception from about 10% of the Jura population which was very encouraging. Thank you to all who came along.