Proposal · Web viewHotSW LEP Local Broadband Plan June 2020 Contents 1.Introduction4 2.Background5...

HotSW LEP

Local Broadband PlanJune 2020

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Contents1. Introduction2. Background

2.1.Local Broadband Plan 20112.2.Connecting Devon and Somerset2.3.UK Government2.4.Market drivers and Public Sector

Investment 62.5 The legislative framework2.6.State Aid Scheme2.7.Investment Models2.8.Public Bodies role2.9.Community Role2.10. Demand Stimulation

3. Vision and Strategic Context 103.1.Summary 103.2.HotSW Digital Strategy 103.3.Vision, Aims and Strategic Outcomes 113.4.The Plan 12

4. Overview 144.1.National Position on Broadband 144.2.Superfast 144.3.Local Full Fibre Networks 154.4.Gigabit Voucher Scheme 154.5.Rural Gigabit Connectivity 154.6.USO 164.7.Mobile 164.8.5G technology 184.9.Outside In programme 21

5. Gigabit capable/Full Fibre 225.1.Current Position 225.2.Benefits of this action 245.3.Measures and milestones 25

6. Superfast 266.1.Current Position 266.2.What we are doing about Superfast 276.3.Benefits of this action 286.4.Measures and milestones 29

7. Mobile (4G) 307.1.Current Position 307.2.What we are doing about 4G 327.3.Benefits of this action 337.4.Measures and milestones 34

8. 5G 358.1.Current Position 358.3.Measures and milestones 36

9. Summary Actions 3810.Governance 39

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10.1. Programme Board 3910.2. Project Management Structure 40

1. IntroductionThe following Local Broadband Plan (LBP) for the Heart of the South West (HotSW) and partners (namely, in partnership with BANES and North Somerset) follows on from the strategic direction set by the Digital Strategy. The LBP takes the Strategic Framework, priorities and suggested actions in the Digital Strategy that tie back to the strategy’s vision and goals and identifies key projects and interventions that can be taken forward by HotSW partners. The opportunity is focussed to delivering the enabling digital infrastructure and services, and to stimulate the adoption of digital


services. The LBP covers Next Generation Access (NGA) infrastructure and services encompassing superfast (30Mbps and above), Ultrafast (300Mpbs and above) and Gigabit (1Gbit/s) capable/full fibre services; and mobile services that can also provide broadband services, namely 4G and 5G.

The LBP covers a three-year period to October 2023. The plan will be reviewed annually and updated where required to reflect relevant changes in local progress and national directives.


2. Background2.1. Local Broadband Plan 2011

The 2011 Local Broadband Plan set out a vision to: “deliver faster Broadband for all by 2015 and Superfast Broadband for all by 2020”.

The aims were:

• to ensure access to significantly faster broadband for every business and community by 2015 across Devon and Somerset, with the vast majority having access to superfast broadband, and by 2020 to deliver superfast broadband to all;

• to deliver this at a fair price and through an open network which attracts a wide variety of retail service providers;

• to work with the public and voluntary sectors to delivering digital inclusion and transforming access to services for rural areas;

• to ensure rural communities’ benefit at the same time as our urban areas and to unlock economic growth and create more and better jobs, deliver digital inclusion and transform;

• access to services for rural areas through the effective use and adoption of ICT.

And the targets were to:

• deliver 100% broadband coverage by 2015, with a minimum of 85% being superfast broadband. We are mindful of the UK Government’s target to achieve 90% superfast coverage by 2015;

• deliver 50% take-up, with businesses and the public sector making the most of this opportunity by 2015 to deliver superfast broadband for all by 2020 increasing our GVA by £0.75 billion by 2020.

2.2. Connecting Devon and SomersetConnecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) is a public sector Programme supported by the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Building Digital UK (Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport), and Local Authorities. Working with the broadband supply market CDS is seeking to enhance broadband infrastructure across the region.

The CDS region covers Somerset, Devon, N Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset (BaNES), Plymouth and Torbay.

CDS and partners have played a progressive and active role in securing investment to extend superfast and ultrafast broadband coverage, through co-investment with Building Digital UK (BDUK), voucher-led grant programmes, European funding and extensive work to stimulate commercial activity.

A gap funded model has been used to invest local and the UK Government’s Building Digital UK (BDUK) agency funds. Phase 1 was awarded to BT as a call off from the national framework contract and covered 298,900 superfast connections. This contract was awarded to BT in 2013 and build concluded in March 2017. Phase 2 was procured through OJEU and consisted of six contracts covering 68,100 premises. Five lots were awarded to Gigaclear, with Lot 4 awarded to Airband. Phase 2 also consisted of a separate contract awarded to Airband to cover both Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks. CDS announced in September 2019 the decision to end Gigaclear’s five contracts due to CDS and BDUK being unable to

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agree an acceptable recovery plan with Gigaclear for the company’s publicly subsidised contracts. The supplier had earlier been placed on notice of default after failing to meet contract targets set in early 2018 for the number of homes and businesses connected.

To date, CDS has provided access to superfast broadband to more than 300,000 homes and businesses, often in sparsely populated rural areas and over challenging terrain. A further 38,000 homes and businesses have benefited from improved broadband speed in addition to a Universal Service Commitment1 of 10Mbps to all. Public funding is leveraging greater commercial investment with the result that the CDS programme and commercially funded networks are, together, providing over 950,000 homes and businesses across Devon and Somerset with access to superfast broadband out of a total of 1,100,494 premises currently.

The programme continues to work to extend broadband coverage across Devon and Somerset. This includes Airband infrastructure build in the Lot 4 area, initially contracted to provide a new wireless network providing access to superfast broadband for around 16,000 homes and businesses across mid, north and west Devon by June 2020. Due to advances in technology a change request has been approved allowing Airband to change later delivery phases to a full fibre solution increasing the number of premises in this contract to around 17,000. Airband has also completed build of a network serving around 5,000 hard to reach properties in Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks with superfast broadband.

The programme also commenced a new procurement in February 2020 to competitively select one or more Bidders to deliver extended NGA Broadband & Gigabit Access through 6 (six) lots which cover specific geographic areas within the CDS area.

The take up rate for all CDS-funded Openreach services currently stands in upwards of 60% and is generating significant resources for reinvestment thanks to the gainshare agreement with BT. Work is advancing on plans to extend BT’s network in the CDS area applying the first £6 million from this fund. The high take-up reflects the level of demand for NGA services in rural areas where connectivity is poor.

2.3. UK GovernmentIn July 2018, the UK Government published the Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review (FTIR) which recognised the significant progress over the past few years in the UK, in both mobile and fixed connectivity. In December 2017, the UK Government met its target to extend superfast coverage to 95% of UK premises, with expectations to reach at least 97% by 2020. Legislation has also been put in place to create a new Universal Service Obligation (USO) giving every household and business the right to request a broadband connection download speed of at least 10 Mbps. Mobile coverage has significantly improved over recent years, with 87% of UK landmass having a 4G signal from at least one operator compared to 78% in 2017.

The FTIR highlights that when considering the speed, resilience and reliability that consumers want and businesses need in order to grow, then full fibre and 5G are the long-term answer. These technologies have the potential to transform productivity, and to open new business models. Examples of recent UK government interventions were announced in the Autumn Statement 2016 a £1.1 billion digital connectivity package, including the £400 million Digital Infrastructure Investment Fund to help investment in new fixed and mobile networks; the Local Full Fibre Network (LFFN) programme; and the 5G Testbeds and Trials programme. It is expected that similar interventions will be brought forwards as part of the Covid 19 recovery programme. Reforms to make building fibre networks easier form part of the UK Government’s policy in the FTIR. The UK Government launched two consultations in October 2018 on proposals regarding full-fibre connections to new build properties and reform to procedures for obtaining wayleaves to build digital infrastructure to tenanted properties. The UK Government also introduced legislation to exempt new full fibre infrastructure investment from business rates and the Barrier Busting Task Force was created, whose remit it is to identify barriers to fixed and mobile network deployment, and to work with industry, local authorities, and others to overcome them. Other

1 A Universal Service Obligation (USO) for broadband - to be supplied by ISPs BT and KCOM – will be introduced from 20th March 2020.DVC2D1V2.26Digital Connectivity | Connectivity Lab | Digital Workplace

policy measures include Ofcom’s work to facilitate access to Openreach’s network of underground ducts and poles.

A full fibre target was set out by the chancellor on 22 May 2018 for 15 million premises to be connected to full fibre by 2025, with nationwide coverage by 2033. A 5G target based on Conservative manifesto commitment in 2017 set out an ambition to be a world leader in the next generation of mobile technology, 5G, with deployment to the majority of the country by 2027 so that UK consumers and businesses can take early advantage of the benefits. The election of a new Prime Minister in the summer 2019 triggered a renewed commitment to accelerating the digital agenda, including further digital infrastructure investment with a desire to see the UK full fibred by 2025. In May 2019, the UK government commenced the two-year £200m Rural Gigabit Broadband Connectivity (RGC) Programme, aimed at delivering gigabit-capable full-fibre broadband to the most rural and remote regions in the country. Subsequent announcements have the Government pledging a £5 billion package to include support for the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband in the hardest to reach 20 per cent of the country, with a view to achieving nationwide coverage as soon as possible.

2.4. Market drivers and Public Sector InvestmentThrough Phase 1 and Phase 2, CDS has secured and committed approximately £97m towards improving broadband infrastructure while leveraging significant investment from the market as part of these contracts. The CDS programme is striving to extend the availability of NGA broadband infrastructure across its programme area, including securing and investing public funds to provide the required stimulus to the market for delivery. It is critical that the nature and capability of the telecom’s infrastructure within the region is understood. Understanding current and planned infrastructure provision and services, and tracking progress over time, will provide an evidence base to inform future investment decisions, help to support community broadband developments and to optimise future deployments and facilitate further service provision through sharing of infrastructure.

Through market engagement, CDS not only gains an understanding of current provision and gaps, but also an appreciation of the commercial levers, barriers for investment, and where the public sector has a key role to play in assisting the market, including targeting existing and future funding, and leading on the strategic activities described in Section 2.6. The UK telecoms market has seen changes in response to the demand for NGA services and stimulation provided by Government targets and funding programmes. In addition to established operators’ commercial expansion and publicly funded deployments, there has been a growth of new companies building fibre and wireless networks. There has also been a number of community-led schemes, delivering high speed networks in their respective localities.

The investment and competition that alternative suppliers have introduced has influenced incumbent behaviour, expediating deployment of new networks and services by a variety of operators in both urban and rural areas. In public sector intervention, the implementing body is looking to make a project attractive to as many bidders as possible. This can be approached by splitting an intervention area and procure through smaller lots with a view to optimising the number and quality of bidders, reducing the hurdles to participation in procurements by smaller suppliers and to align supplier incentives to maintain competitive tension as far as possible. The deployment of digital infrastructure can be a significant engineering effort that places emphasis on the supplier to perform the necessary due diligence on the design and implementation planning, and to have the required resource skills and capacity available, with effective stakeholder, supplier/sub-contractor, project management in place to minimise the risk of delays and cost overruns. This is further emphasised where a successful supplier must scale-up quickly in order to meet expectations when contracted to meet speed/coverage obligations and deliver to specified timescales.


2.5. The legislative framework The Electronic Communications Code 2017 (the “Code”) underpins all agreements between site providers and Code operators, dealing with rights to use land for digital communications purposes. Code operators are individuals or bodies who have applied for, and been granted, operator status by Ofcom. This status recognises that the provision of digital communications networks forms an important public service. Consequently, agreements between site providers and Code operators are subject to special statutory rights and protections, as set out in the Electronic Communications Code. The Code was recently reformed as part of the Digital Economy Act 2017. These reforms were intended to reduce the cost of providing communications infrastructure and make it easier for operators to deploy such infrastructure. The new Code came into force on 28 December 2017.

2.6. State Aid SchemeLocal authorities must take account of the European Commission’s State aid and competition regulations. On 26 May 2016 the European Commission approved the 2016 National Broadband Scheme (NBS), which is an umbrella scheme for broadband projects in the UK. Local bodies can apply to BDUK directly for confirmation that their local broadband projects comply with the terms of the umbrella scheme and are therefore state aid compliant. BDUK has provided guidance on this process2. The 2016 NBS is set to expire at the end of 2020. A new state aid NBS is not likely to be up and running at scale until 2022/2023.

2.7. Investment ModelsThere are various models for public support for investment in broadband, including gap-funded procurements, voucher schemes, broadband challenge funds and community schemes. The 2016 NBS Decision allows for implementing bodies to choose the most appropriate funding model to their broadband project, specifically referencing the following models as examples:

Public Sector Owned (or municipally owned);

Concession to BuildOperate-Transfer;

Public Private Partnership;

Gap Funding model.

In the broadband sector, demand-side measures may complement supply-side measures aimed at infrastructure roll-out by supporting the take-up of broadband services over the deployed infrastructure. Voucher schemes may be used to support subscriptions of broadband services by reducing the cost for end-users. Such voucher schemes typically have an eligibility criteria, for example the Better Broadband Voucher Scheme was launched in December 2015 to provide an affordable, basic broadband installation to homes and businesses that were unable to access a broadband service with a download speed of at least 2Mbps and would not benefit from the Superfast broadband roll out within the next 12 months. The scheme has boosted the broadband speeds of more than 20,000 homes and businesses in some of the hardest to reach areas of the UK. The Scheme ended in December 2019. The subsidy was used to fund a variety of technological solutions including satellite, 4G and fixed wireless. As part of the Rural Gigabit Connectivity (RGC) programme, BDUK adapted the existing Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme to support the delivery of full fibre connectivity in rural areas. Businesses and homes in the hardest to reach areas of the UK may be eligible for funding towards the cost of installing full fibre broadband to their premises when part of a group project. Gigabit broadband vouchers can be used by small businesses and the local communities around them to contribute to the installation cost of faster connections using gigabit-capable infrastructure. Vouchers are issued to the supplier and can only be used to offset the cost of installing a gigabit-capable broadband connection to premises. Voucher schemes can have an option to aggregate vouchers under a group application. A local lead is often needed to tap

2 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/state-aid-adviceDVC2D1V2.28Digital Connectivity | Connectivity Lab | Digital Workplace

the potential of aggregating vouchers to secure enough leverage to attract extension of a network operator’s network to deliver the required connectivity.

2.8. Public Bodies roleThe Digital Connectivity Portal3 was launched to provide an online resource for local authorities and communications network providers with guidance to support investment in broadband and mobile networks. The Portal provides practical guidance on subjects such as digital infrastructure strategy and leadership, access to and use of public sector assets, a guidance on access agreements, and matters relating to planning and use of the highways. The Portal sets out the importance of a focused strategy for encouraging and facilitating the deployment of full fibre and mobile networks to help boost economic growth, digital inclusion and deliver a range of societal benefits including the more effective provision of local public services. The approach should:

Consider how the local authority will facilitate the rollout of digital infrastructure that could include developing planning policies that support the roll out of new digital infrastructure in line with policies in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF);

Stress the importance to the local authority of working in partnership with infrastructure providers and network operators;

Highlight the importance of taking future digital infrastructure requirements into account when conducting council business;

Promote long-term investment;

Identify and aggregate public sector demand for connectivity services;

Provide transparent contact information of key local authority stakeholders.

A digital champion in a local authority can help to minimise barriers to the rollout of broadband and mobile networks and support effective engagement between local authority and network operators. This could be a senior cabinet member, councillor or senior local authority official.

Investment in an accurate asset register would allow the LEP local authorities to engage with commercial providers and MNOs and demonstrate their interest and capability to support developments of both broadband and mobile infrastructure. The first step would be to create a register of assets such as utility ducts, fibre networks, CCTV posts, lampposts, which could help operators cost and plan their infrastructure deployment more accurately and cost effectively. This activity would help to identify infrastructure which would enable accelerated digital provision. The commercial approach to the use of public sector assets would need to be worked through to avoid any state aid issues.

2.9. Community RoleOver the past few years, some communities have successfully improved broadband access in their local area. To build on their successes, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has provided guidance4 to help other community groups to access and benefit from potential models, case studies, guidance and funding options relevant to local broadband projects.

CDS recognise the value of enabling local people in communities with different needs to co-produce a broadband solution that works best for them. CDS is looking to expand its pioneering community-led broadband scheme following successful pilots in Devon and North Somerset.

3 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/digital-connectivity-portal4 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/community-led-broadband-schemes/introduction-to-community-led-schemesDVC2D1V2.29Digital Connectivity | Connectivity Lab | Digital Workplace

2.10.Demand StimulationDelivering the broadband infrastructure will only fulfil part of CDS ambition. There is a need to ensure that residents, businesses and visitors understand the benefits and applications that access to superfast broadband can enable, now and into the future. This should encourage the take up of superfast services and ensure that the benefits and opportunities this brings are maximised, particularly for business growth and innovation. The capturing of demand in an area is also an important influencer for an operator to consider commercial build, which is often demand driven.

A demand stimulation strategy should help people have the skills and awareness about how the internet can be used and managing their digital life in a way which suits their needs and delivers better outcomes. There is significant scope to stimulate business start-ups through both enhanced opportunity for home working and reducing initial start-up costs, to new business opportunities resulting from emerging technologies. Harnessing the internet can help existing businesses to grow through innovative new marketing and communications techniques (such as social media and website optimisation), to increase their customer base, opening new markets and increasing exports.

Critical to the success of a demand stimulation strategy is partnership working, including liaising with district and borough councils, business bodies, educational and healthcare institutions, BDUK and other partners involved in delivering the activities outlined in the strategy.

3. Vision and Strategic Context3.1. Summary

The FTIR highlighted that despite over 97% coverage of superfast broadband, largely based on copper user connections, the UK is in danger of falling behind on rolling out fibre and 5G connections. As a result, the UK Government propose a more proactive approach than has been taken historically in the UK. The Building Digital UK (BDUK) Superfast Broadband programme, part of DCMS acted on failure of the market to deliver in hard to reach areas, providing subsidy to stimulate the market. The challenge of building a full fibre network is much greater and the opportunity cost of the delay in connecting non-commercial areas is also much greater. Recognising this, the FTIR proposed, as part of a wider range of measures for stimulating private investment, an outside-in approach to ensure that intervention takes place in the expected non-commercial areas, and to build in from these to meet the commercial infrastructure to ensure that no areas are systematically left behind.

The CDS programme has a key role in delivering the LBP that needs to consider a changing landscape, while looking to influence, complement, leverage and support the national initiatives/targets and funding available, with other regional and local funds to address the unique challenges faced in the HotSW. When the Coalition Government set out its objective for the rural broadband programme it anticipated that only a third of rural England would require publicly funded intervention to deliver superfast broadband. It was assumed that two-thirds of rural areas would benefit from wholly commercially funded broadband infrastructure. That did not prove to be the case in Devon and Somerset where the challenging terrain and sparsely populated countryside was less attractive to commercial investors. To date, over 50% of areas in Devon and Somerset have access to publicly subsidised superfast broadband, whilst in areas like West Somerset, over 80% of broadband coverage is due to the CDS programme. Combining the CDS roll-out with commercial provision, superfast broadband coverage is currently around 90%. The cost per premise for connecting the final 10% is set to increase exponentially, with the hard to reach premises likely to require significant investment to deliver a high speed and reliable broadband service.

The LBP tackles the most challenging topography and terrain in Southern England, delivering across two national parks and a high proportion of remote upland areas.


Through collaborative working, the CDS programme aims to gain the critical mass and scale needed to attract private sector investment and to ensure that effective intervention measures are taken to deliver the best value for money solution across a challenging physical and economic geography in support of the HotSW Digital Strategy.

3.2. HotSW Digital StrategyThe HotSW Digital Strategy has the following Vision:

"We will work to ensure that the HotSW increases its productivity, grows its businesses, develops inclusive communities, protects and enhances the natural environment and attracts investment by embracing digital technologies, leading the way with adoption and exploitation across the South West...”.

The Digital Strategy makes it clear that in order to facilitate change, the HotSW must take an outward-facing and action-orientated approach, underpinned by a series of priorities which tie back to the Strategy’s vision and goals. Here, the case for action is taken a step further, orientated around a strategic framework, which will influence decision-making, trigger investment and effect collaboration. Critically, the framework is centred on the intended role of the HotSW and where it can most effectively facilitate change. Interventions are therefore built around where the HotSW will be able to influence, directly and indirectly, within the parameters of partnership and collaboration. Figure 1 shows the Digital Strategy – Strategic Framework. The framework frames a series of actions, in which this LBP shall support.

Figure 1: Digital Strategy – Strategic Framework

3.3. Vision, Aims and Strategic OutcomesThe Local Broadband Plan builds on the Digital Strategy Vison and Priorities to set an equally ambitious vision for the HotSW.

The LBP vision is …

“we will work to ensure that the HotSW delivers the enabling digital infrastructure and services, with the required stimulation to drive the


adoption of digital services in support of the vision and priorities set out in the Digital Strategy and the targets set by the UK Government”

This is further broken down as follows:

• to continue to encourage, stimulate and support operators with NGA rollout in line with UK targets, prioritising Gigabit capable infrastructure for future intervention;

• to influence extended 4G rollout and encourage and promote the role of next generation mobile technology within the region, including support to investigating innovative solutions and use cases to take timely advantage of the benefits in line with the digital priorities and opportunities of HotSW;

• to promote services delivered at a fair price and through an open network which attracts a wide variety of retail service providers;

• to address the needs in our urban centres, market towns and growth locations, including enterprise zones to drive economic development and competitiveness while ensuring rural communities benefit at the same time as our urban areas in order to unlock economic growth and create more and better jobs, deliver digital inclusion and transform access to services for rural areas through the effective use and adoption of ICT;

• a barrier busting approach to digital policy in support of the UK Government to ensure digital infrastructure can be deployed as cost effectively as possible, including leveraging existing public assets and ensuring new developments are connected to the highest specification;

• to stimulate take-up and adoption of digital services.

A suite of performance indicators is being developed in line with the Digital Strategy to measure achievement against this vision, including availability of superfast broadband and Gigabit capable/full fibre, take-up of broadband, average speeds, measures of service reliability and satisfaction, benchmarking of pricing. Performance indicators will also measure our success in delivering our expected strategic benefits, including in creating new and better jobs, improving productivity, business start-up and survival, increased inward investment, increasing employment in knowledge intensive and creative sectors, delivering public sector efficiencies, increased use of online public sector services, supporting increased home working, delivering measurable service improvements in the public sector.

3.4. The PlanTo deliver on these objectives, the plan sets out actions around fixed and mobile infrastructure and where and how intervention will take place. This is structured into:

• Superfast;• Gigabit capable/full fibre;• Mobile (4G);• 5G.

The Plan supports the objectives set out in the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) Local Industrial Strategy and Productivity Strategy, and similarly for the West of England LEP. It also aligns to Devon and Somerset Economic Plans. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how vital the broadband and mobile services are to enable home working, staying in touch with friends and family and supporting online education and learning. The Economic Recovery Plans across the area all see improved broadband as the golden thread underpinning our future vitality, coupled with the use and adoption of IT through improving digital skills and capability.


All partners see the implementation of this Plan as critical to achieving economic ambitions and are committed to working to deliver the vision, providing a powerful national demonstration of partnership working collaboratively to create the right economic conditions for businesses to grow.

The Plan is supported by our wider public sector partners, including FE colleges, the NHS and the Emergency Services as it significantly contributes to the transformation of public services. These services include telehealth, improving patient care in their homes; community safety through greater and more efficient use of CCTV; law enforcement through improving remote working and communications, and distance learning providing greater access to online education to our young people and adults.

Local authorities across Devon and Somerset at all levels have made superfast broadband and Gigabit capable/full fibre one of their top priorities. It is embedded in economic development plans, local development frameworks and relevant corporate strategies. This Plan has been directed by a Joint Programme Board, consisting of the Chief Executives, Portfolio Holders and Senior Officers of Somerset and Devon County Councils, District Council representatives, Bath and North East Somerset Council and North Somerset Council with input from businesses and the public sector in Torbay and Plymouth.


4. Overview4.1. National Position on Broadband

The current UK national position is good in terms of superfast connectivity which has exceeded its target of 95% of premises covered by December 2017, poor in terms of full-fibre at just 7% (January 2019) and improving in mobile coverage where 87% of the landmass has 4G from at least one operator.

The UK Government highlights the following initiatives to meeting targets:

• Reducing costs and barriers to deployment e.g. by simplifying wayleaves, standardising the approach to street works and ensuring fibre connectivity in new builds;

• Promoting market entry and expansion for new operators e.g. through Duct and Pole Access to Openreach infrastructure; access to passive infrastructure from other utilities;

• Stable and long-term regulation;• Enabling world class connectivity for all e.g. through an outside-in approach to

support the currently estimated 10% of premises which are commercially unviable to full fibre deployment;

• Developing a fibre switchover strategy to maximise the take up;• Make it easier and cheaper to deploy mobile infrastructure to extend mobile

coverage to 95% of the UK landmass by 2022 e.g. through planning reform, access to public sites;

• Promote investment and innovation in 5G through improving access to sites, funding testbeds and trials and release of additional spectrum.

There is a lot of activity and funding being made available from the UK Government to support these initiatives. The UK Government workstreams are summarised below:

• Superfast Broadband;• Local Full Fibre Networks;• Gigabit Voucher Scheme;• Rural Gigabit Connectivity;• Universal Service Obligation;• Mobile - Improving 4G Coverage;• 5G Testbeds and Trials• Outside In programme (in development as of the date of this LBP)

4.2. SuperfastSuperfast broadband has been a high priority for the UK Government originally defined as greater than 24Mbit/s which was then revised to 30Mbit/s and above for NGA. Phase 1 had a target of 90% of premises by early 2016 (24Mbps and above); Phase 2 had a target of 95% of premises by 2017 (30Mbps and above); and Phase 3 looks to extend this beyond 95% to around 97% by end 2020. Coverage for superfast is represented in Figure 2.


Figure 2 - Superfast Coverage Progress (source: DCMS)

Although the superfast programme is coming to a close as the Outside In programme ramps up, there are still a number of deployments underway and potentially a small number of new procurements, including the CDS Procurement for extended NGA Broadband and Gigabit Access conducted under the 2016 NBS scheme.

4.3. Local Full Fibre NetworksThe LFFN programme launched a £190m Challenge Fund in November 2017. This is a capital grant programme which funds locally led public connectivity projects that have the potential to leverage commercial investment in full fibre broadband connections. The first £95m of funding was allocated in March 2018 to 13 successful bidders; the next £95m of funding is being allocated across local bodies who submitted expressions of interest by December 2018. Plymouth City Council (PCC) has secured funding from the UK Government’s LFFN as part of this wave, which will result in Gigabit capable infrastructure being deployed to connect public sector sites (schools, council etc.).

4.4. Gigabit Voucher SchemeA £67m Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme was launched in March 2018 to be used by small businesses and the local communities around them to contribute to the installation cost of faster connections using gigabit-capable infrastructure. Businesses could claim a voucher worth up to £2,500. Residents could claim a voucher worth £500 only as part of a group project (with a requirement for 1 business to every 10 residential premises). Vouchers were issued to the supplier and could only be used to offset the cost of installing a gigabit-capable broadband connection to premises. Following the precedent of the BDUK Super-Connected Cities Voucher Scheme, payments for vouchers issued are made under the terms of the European Commission's "De-Minimis" Regulation (1407/2013).

DCMS currently administrates a top up scheme for Wales to the Gigabit Broadband Voucher, offering £3,000 top up for business connections and £300 for residential connections. The Wales funding for the enhanced Gigabit Voucher scheme is part of an overall broadband vouchers budget which totals £1.5m for the next financial year and forms a suite of measures to bring faster broadband to the remaining properties.

The scheme came to an end in May 2020.


4.5. Rural Gigabit ConnectivityThe Rural Gigabit Connectivity (RGC) programme commenced in May 2019 and will run until the end of March 2021 with an initial £200m fund. The FTIR identified that approximately 10% of UK premises, largely in rural and remote locations, would be unlikely to receive full fibre connections by 2033.

• The RGC programme is the first step of the outside in approach, which seeks to ensure the final 10% of premises are addressed at the same pace as the rest of the UK. The programme is testing a hub model, with the hub being a public sector building upgraded with gigabit capable connectivity. Delivering this connectivity may result in the surrounding area becoming increasingly viable for commercial intervention, stimulating the market to build more networks in these areas. A £3m pilot of this approach was first unveiled in February 2019 via the LFFN budget which is now expected to connect 119 schools. Schools in the CDS region were connected as part of this pilot.

The RGC Programme will be delivered using a phased approach. The Programme is initially working with Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care as two major public sector estates in rural areas. Progress of the initial phases, which has identified potential hub sites in priority areas, will be monitored and, utilising lessons learnt, may extend opportunities to more areas in the future.

As part of the UK Government’s Rural Gigabit Connectivity programme, business and residents in some of the hardest-to-reach places in the UK are eligible for additional funding towards the cost of installing gigabit-capable broadband to their premises when part of a group project. Group projects are when two or more residents and/or SMEs get together to combine their vouchers towards the shared cost of installation. Single connections are not eligible for additional funding. Group projects in rural areas (broadly defined for England & Wales as DEFRA D, E and F) with broadband speeds of less than 30Mbps can use Rural Gigabit Vouchers worth up to £3,500 for each small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), and up to £1,500 per residential premise to support the cost of installing new gigabit-capable connections.

4.6. USOUnder Ofcom’s new Universal Service Obligation (USO), from March 2020 every home and business in the UK that can’t get a download speed of 10Mbit/s and an upload speed of 1Mbit/s has the right to request an upgrade connection up to a threshold of £3,400 per connection. The USO is subscriber led, so individuals will be required to apply for an upgrade. Eligible premises who want a connection with connection costs in excess of the threshold will have to fund the gap. Home or businesses are eligible if it:

• Has no access to existing decent broadband; and• Will not be covered by a public broadband scheme offered by the UK and devolved

governments in the next 12 months

Premises currently only having access to a decent service that is priced over £46.10 per month will also have the right to request a universal service connection.

Openreach and KCOM (Hull area) will have 30 days to confirm eligibility and costs for providing the connection. Most people will get a connection within 12 months, but it may take up to 24 months for some. The UK Government estimated that roughly 2-3% of UK premises will remain eligible for delivery under the new USO.

4.7. Mobile The latest Ofcom Connected Nations Report (2018) sets out the position for national 4G coverage. Ofcom define an area as having good call coverage if nearly


all voice calls complete without interruption and there is a good data connection with speeds of at least 2Mbps. This translates to a signal strength of -105dBm. A stronger signal, -95dBm, is needed to provide indoor coverage to premises to allow for building materials reducing the signal. Ofcom measure the geographic coverage in 100m square tiles. If all four UK Mobile Network Operators (MNO), namely EE, Vodafone, Three and O2 provide a signal of -105dBm or better within that tile, then that area is classed as having coverage from all operators; if all four operators provide a signal of -95dBm or better within that tile, then all premises in that tile are classed as having coverage from all operators.

The UK Government has an ambition to extend national geographic coverage to 95% by 2022, up from 91% across the UK in December 2018. The Government announced in October 2019 a new £1bn deal with Three UK, Vodafone, O2 and EE (BT) to establish a new Shared Rural Network (SRN), which will see the mobile operators working cooperatively together in order to extend the geographic coverage of 4G (mobile broadband) services to 95% of the UK by 2025.

For 4G outdoor coverage, 82% of the English geography has coverage from all operators with just 2% having no operator 4G coverage. For rural areas this worsens slightly to 79% coverage and 3% not spots.

At premise level, 78% of English premises are now covered by a good 4G signal from all operators, and just 1% with none. For rural premises this worsens significantly to 42% premise coverage and 5% complete not spots.

Ofcom see improving 4G coverage as a top priority and have identified a number of initiatives to improve coverage for 4G, and to help develop 5G including:

• Release of more spectrum to operators;• Proposals to enable shared access to spectrum; • Improving coverage in building and vehicles through legalising some types of

mobile phone repeaters.

4.7.1. Spectrum auctions (Award of the 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz spectrum bands)

Auction of spectrum in the 700MHz and 3.6-3.8GHz bands is due in 2020. This award of spectrum is to enable the industry to provide services with greater capacity and wider coverage, and to support new wireless technologies, including 5G – the latest generation of mobile services. The national licence awards were expected to have coverage obligations as stated in Section 7.1, however a decision was made by Ofcom to have no coverage obligations because the MNOs have committed to achieving more comprehensive mobile coverage in the SRN programme than Ofcom would be able to require through coverage obligations in the spectrum award. MNO commitments, now agreed with the Government, are included in their current spectrum licences and are legally binding.

MNO’s are also leveraging previous investments and adopting/considering an approach of re-farming (converting) 3G spectrum for its use to boost 4G speeds and reliability, and to make way for 5G.

4.7.2. Enabling opportunities for innovationIn order to increase access to spectrum, Ofcom propose access to shared spectrum which is not used by existing operators across three bands: 3.8-4.2 GHz, 1800 MHz and 2300 MHz. Users would make a request to Ofcom specifying the bands and the locations in which they wish to operate.

Ofcom also propose to introduce a local licensing scheme to provide access to awarded mobile spectrum.

Ofcom recognise that this spectrum could be used to improved mobile coverage, addressing urban and rural not-spots (indoors and outdoors), provided by third


parties acquiring spectrum in specific locations (subject to roaming agreements with mobile network operators).

For local licensing, Ofcom see this as a way of removing one of the barriers to 3rd parties offering local mobile coverage in areas where the licensed MNO does not provide service. A third party would apply for a local access licence to use specific frequencies at a particular location (this can be in any of the mobile bands licensed to MNOs). Ofcom would engage with the relevant MNO(s) and if they raise a reasonable objection, then the application would be declined. If they agree this does not adversely impact their planned use of the spectrum, then a local licence would be issued.

Local access licences will have a minimum period of three years, with longer being provided if supported by the relevant MNO(s). A one-off cost-based licence fee of £950 per licence would apply.

4.7.3. Emergency Services NetworkThe Emergency Services Network (ESN) is being rolled out across the UK by the Home Office and replaces the existing Airwave service. The infrastructure is being built by EE by upgrading their existing 4G network and building over 400 new sites which can be shared by other mobile network operators. To extend coverage into remote areas, the Home Office will build around 300 further sites (around 194 new build sites) throughout the UK which can potentially be used to offer commercial coverage to these areas.

The location of new ESN sites and Extended Area Service (EAS) sites within the region is of interest as it could lead to improvement in 4G coverage in areas not currently served. One potential barrier to these sites offering coverage to the general public is the capital cost of high capacity backhaul, which is required to deliver enough capacity for both emergency services and public use.

No data could be obtained for this study on delivered or planned ESN sites for the CDS region to understand if they will provide coverage in Not-Spot areas. However, opportunities for collaboration should be sought, along with potential funding to deliver fibre backhaul to new masts in not-spot areas to ensure that the general public can benefit from 4G services in the vicinity.

4.7.4. Small CellsTo deliver the dense coverage and high capacity network required by 5G, wireless operators are now investing in the densification of their 4G radio access network (RAN) – particularly in densely populated urban areas – by deploying small cells. Small cells, while serving a much smaller geographical area than a macro cell, increase network coverage, capacity and quality of service.

The deployment of small cells is one way of boosting the capacity and quality of existing 4G networks, and an approach to 5G and early enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) services. Small cells are already being used by some wireless operators to boost the capacity and coverage of their existing 4G networks particularly in a dense urban setting, see Box 3 as an example.

Small cells boost network capacity without the need for additional spectrum, making them attractive to operators with a low spectrum holding or where spectrum is scarce. Furthermore, the industry view is that the deployment of small cells in dense urban to boost existing 4G network quality is likely to support the anticipated high capacity requirements of 5G networks and early eMBB services.

4.8. 5G technology5G is a wide encompassing technology that addresses many different use cases. It is designed to provide high capacity, high reliability and low latency mobile plus advanced software approaches such as edge computing and network virtualisation. These new techniques together with capabilities such as network slicing allow different types of services to run simultaneously, vastly increasing the scope of applications and services that can be supported.


The three main use case areas are illustrated in Figure 3.

Figure 3 - 5G Usage Scenarios, Source ITU Recommendation ITU-R M.2083-0, September 2015

Enhanced Mobile Broadband is well understood and is effectively an improvement of the existing 4G mobile broadband solution with better speeds, capacity and responsiveness. As of 2019 this is being rolled out in a number of UK cities by the existing MNOs, including Plymouth (Vodafone).

Massive Machine Type Communications will support a very large number of devices in a small area, which may only send data sporadically, such as Internet of Things (IoT).

Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications will support stringent requirements on latency and reliability for mission critical communications, such as remote surgery, and autonomous vehicles for example.

In terms of development of the technology and the related standards, 5G continues in its development and the launches to date are a hybrid using the existing 4G core network and new 5G radio sites which allows the support of enhanced broadband and elements of massive machine communications. This will be further enhanced with future release of the standards and implementation of a 5G core to give the full benefits of 5G capabilities. The challenge for operators is how 5G can be rolled out in the fastest, smoothest, and most efficient way possible, while meeting the key objectives of successful coexistence with 4G and continuous growth. The capacity demands of 5G will also drive the need for deeper fibre penetration for connecting mast sites.

The UK Government announced in July 2020 that Huawei will be completely removed from the UK’s 5G network by the end of 2027. Ahead of this there will be a total ban on the purchase of any new 5G kit after 31 December 2020. This decision takes into account the UK’s specific national circumstances and how the risks of the US sanctions imposed in May 2020 on Huawei are manifested in the UK. The US action also affects Huawei products used in the UK’s full fibre broadband networks. The UK Government is advising full fibre operators to transition away from purchasing new Huawei equipment. A technical consultation will determine the transition timetable, with the expectation that the period will last no longer than two years.

4.8.1. 5G SpectrumSpectrum bands have been identified at low, mid and high frequencies which have different characteristics and can be used to deliver different benefits:

• Low – existing mobile spectrum (including additional 700Mhz to be auctioned) which is best for widespread coverage

• Medium – this will meet the increasing capacity demand for mobile services including IoT and higher capacity mobile broadband. The 3.4-3.8GHz band has been identified as a primary band for 5G in Europe as it offers increased


capacity for mobile broadband over wide areas. All four UK MNO’s have secured spectrum in the 3.4-3.6 GHz band and are already deploying or planning to deploy 5G mobile networks.

• High - to date, these frequency bands have not been used to deliver mobile services. These frequency bands are likely to be used to support new 5G applications, in particular those that require high capacity and very low latency.

At the lower frequency, enhanced mobile broadband use case, it is expected that operators will be able to reuse existing site infrastructure (masts, power supply, upgraded backhaul, etc.) to enable rapid 5G deployment at manageable cost.

Higher frequencies are of great interest as they provide much more capacity, and these will require the use of small cells and much more localised deployments. There is also the potential for new entrants to offer services through a more localised licensing approach.

In the FTIR, the UK Government set a target for the majority of people to have 5G coverage by 2027. As explained above, 5G covers a wide spread of use cases and technology but initial deployments will be for enhanced mobile broadband, primarily in cities and large towns to provide existing mobile services but with a better experience. The wider benefits of 5G’s capability to support IoT at scale, lower latency specialist solutions and multiple private networks over the same infrastructure, will take time to develop and become available, driven by a business case.

4.8.2. 5G and Health RisksCDS will follow advice from the Public Health England’s Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards (CRCE) that takes the lead on public health matters associated with radiofrequency electromagnetic fields or radio waves, used in telecommunications. Central to PHE advice is that exposures to radio waves should comply with the ICNIRP guidelines. More information on PHE’s stance on radio waves and health can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mobile-phone-base-stations-radio-waves-and-health/mobile-phone-base-stations-radio-waves-and-health.

4.8.3. 5G Testbeds and Trials ProgrammeAt the Autumn Statement 2016, the UK Government announced its intention to invest in a nationally coordinated programme of 5G testbed facilities and trials, as part of over £1bn of funding announced to boost the UK’s digital infrastructure.

In March 2018, the six winners of the first Phase of the 5G Testbeds and Trials competition were announced. These six projects - led by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), universities and local authorities. Each testbed received between £2 million and £5 million in UK Government grants, as part of a total investment of £41m from private sector and other public sector funding. The projects will run from 2018 to 2020. The six winning projects in the 5G Trials and Testbeds scheme are:

• 5G RuralFirst• 5G Smart Tourism• Worcestershire 5G Consortium• Liverpool 5G Testbed• AutoAir• 5G Rural Integrated Testbed (5GRIT)

On 4th September 2018, West Midlands Combined Authority was announced as preferred partner for the Urban Connected Communities Project. The Urban Connected Communities Project will develop a large-scale, 5G pilot across the


https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mobile-phone-base-stations-radio-waves-and-health/mobile-phone-base-stations-radio-waves-and-health

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mobile-phone-base-stations-radio-waves-and-health/mobile-phone-base-stations-radio-waves-and-health

region, with hubs in Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton. Up to £50m is currently available for the project, subject to further development and approval of the business plan. Major investment has also already been committed to projects looking at roads, rail and 5G security.

DCMS in August 2019 challenged rural areas across the UK to compete for a slice of a £30 million fund to research and develop apps that take advantage of 5G technology. The Rural Connected Communities (RCC) competition will see up to ten rural areas selected to run 5G trials that will emphasise innovative use cases and technical solutions to build the business case for investment in rural connectivity and demonstrate the capabilities of 5G to benefit rural communities. RCC applications deadline was 25th October 2019. At the same time, the UK Government launched a consultation on plans to simplify planning rules to make it easier to build mobile infrastructure and boost network coverage in hard-to-reach parts of the country. The consultation states that in order to deploy 5G and improve coverage in partial not-spots, mobile network operators will need to strengthen existing sites to accommodate additional equipment. To extend coverage into total not-spots or to add capacity in areas of high demand, mobile network operators will also need to identify and develop new sites. The consultation on planning reform closed on 4th November 2019.

4.8.4. 5G CreateA further open competition within the 5G Testbeds and Trials Programme, 5G Create has made available up to £30 million of government funding, aiming to explore and develop new use-cases and 5G technical capabilities, as well as demonstrate sustainability after government funding finishes. The competition 8 week competition deadline for applications was 1st June 2020 and 16-week competition 27th July 2020.

4.8.5. Maritime 5G Plymouth City Council is deploying a maritime 5G network, funded by HotSWLEP, within Plymouth Sound to enhance the capability of Smart Sound Plymouth (the advanced marine test facility and marine environmental research area) to better service the needs of the marine business sector. Smart Sound Plymouth is actively seeking further funding to extend this maritime network into the offshore area (aka littoral) to test and demonstrate the ability to provide economically sustainable network coverage around the UK.

4.9. Outside In programmeThe proposal for the outside-in approach being taken forward by DCMS is to build on the National Broadband Schemes approved by the European Commission in 2012 and 2016 to deliver gigabit capable connectivity to the 20% of UK premises which are not expected to be served by the market. DCMS/BDUK is in the process of refining the procurement approach for the Outside In programme in line with feedback from the Industry and local bodies. Indicative proposals as of the date of this LBP is to qualify suppliers on to a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) which will be managed centrally by DCMS. Gap funding will be the funding approach to be adopted.

DCMS/BDUK will perform a continuous open market review/public consultation and coverage mapping exercise at the level of individual premises. This will allow definition of premises to be targeted by the Outside In programme. The technology definition of the solution in relation to targeting areas is in the process of being defined for consideration by the European Commission in support of a State aid Notification. The premises identified will be grouped into appropriately sized sets of requirements (bundles) for suppliers to bid on.

DCMS/BDUK is undergoing evaluation work to refine the delivery mechanism and is in the process of testing proposals with industry and wider consultation. Further


detail on the approach and supporting UK Government initiatives is expected to materialise in due course.


5. Gigabit capable/Full Fibre5.1. Current Position

Based on the Ofcom Connected Nations data from June 2019, full-fibre coverage to premises in the HotSW is around 4%. Therefore nearly 800,000 premises remain without access to full-fibre connectivity, highlighting a significant deficit. This issue is reflected across the UK, with Ofcom data suggesting that only 7% of premises are served. This figure is improving with existing operators and new players focusing build into full fibre and the UK Government investigating how it can play a role in relieving potential hurdles to full fibre deployment. Ultrafast coverage (capable of speeds 300Mbit/s plus) is around 29% of premises in the HotSW, however this is driven by Virgin Media’s network presence in combination with Openreach G.fast deployments based on hybrid fibre-copper infrastructure. Ultrafast and FTTP Availability in the HotSW is highlighted in Figure 4.

Figure 4: Ultrafast and FTTP Availability (Ofcom CN Spring 2019)

In addition to rural areas, the HotSW has areas of poor connectivity in urban centres, market towns and growth locations which present a specific challenge and act as a constraint on economic development and competitiveness.

What we are doing about Gigabit capable/Full Fibre

CDS has announced fibre extension programmes across the Heart of the SW. An extension to an Airband contract in North Western Devon will see 6000 homes receive a full fibre solution and a partnership with Openreach targeting 2000 homes in hard to reach communities will get underway shortly. This programme is being funded through the introduction of ‘Gainshare’ sums, a dividend returned to the public sector generated through higher levels of take up being achieved.

‘Hub Model’ approach

A ‘Hub Model’ approach such as the Local rural “Hub” sites scheme in the DCMS Rural Connectivity Programme and LFFN project in Plymouth are geared towards


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providing gigabit capable provision to a public sector site, with the surrounding area then becoming increasingly viable for commercial provision of full fibre networks.

CDS is assessing the ‘hub model’ approach, through examples where this has occurred and key enablers/triggers, to determine if there is any scope for realising the above objective via the schools that formed the local rural “Hub” sites DCMS pilot and how CDS can help to facilitate and extend to further public sector sites that meet the DCMS eligibility criteria for funds. There is also potential to extend the approach to other hub sites (e.g. working with organisations such as Pub is the Hub) that sit in the heart of rural areas and could be targeted for encouraging the extension of gigabit capable connectivity into these areas. The Voucher Scheme can complement this approach by enabling the provider to aggregate demand from eligible premises in the area and leverage micro-grants to support the cost of new Gigabit connectivity.

5.1.1. Voucher Scheme and ‘top-up’CDS is investigating a potential top up to the DCMS Rural Gigabit Voucher scheme, considering where a top up to vouchers could be effective to reflect the increased costs of deployment in hard to reach areas of Devon and Somerset, as a result of the topography and the location of premises. In the meantime, CDS will continue to work to generate demand for the Rural Gigabit Voucher Scheme to encourage uptake of Gigabit connections. The level of uncertainty as to take-up of the Voucher Schemes means that the scheme must run in parallel with any procurement exercise for extended NGA Broadband, with NGA premises benefitting from a Voucher in the intervening time period being de-scoped from any contract with a Supplier to avoid double subsidy.

5.1.2. Public Sector AssetsCDS is investigating the potential of public sector digital infrastructure for reducing potential market barriers to the delivery of Gigabit capable/full fibre networks in rural areas. This could be in the form of commercialising existing public sector digital assets or a suitable model for the provision of assets e.g. rural duct/fibre spine etc. The commercial approach to the use or investment in public sector assets would need to be worked through to avoid any state aid issues.

5.1.3. Other infrastructure providersCDS is engaging with other infrastructure providers to determine if/and how this infrastructure can assist in lowering barriers to deployment of Gigabit capable/full fibre networks in rural areas.

5.1.4. Community Led InitiativesCDS has piloted a Community Challenge Programme in a number of communities across the area. The Community Challenge Programme enables local communities to select an approved private sector partner and co-produce a broadband solution that works best for them with some financial support and advice from CDS. Pilots were initially successfully trialled in Harford and Lower Combe in Devon with Openreach and Airband, as well as in Yatton in North Somerset with Openreach. Further schemes are currently underway across the region, including Churndon in N Devon, Northleigh in East Devon, Skillgate in Somerset West & Taunton & Charlton Musgrove in South Somerset, partnering with BDUK's Rural Gigabit Voucher Scheme to gap-fund schemes. In total 458 homes and businesses will have access to full fibre to the premise broadband with the capability to deliver speeds up to 1 Gbps. The pilots have been supported by £146,700 capital funding from CDS. The pilots have proved effective at enabling local people in communities with different needs to co-produce a broadband solution that works best for them with CDS support. Each community has had different characteristics and challenges, ranging from deeply rural areas and protected landscapes to urban fringes. CDS is continuing to apply this good practice learned from these pilots to help other communities to develop their own solutions. This is under development and adds a new dimension to complement the CDS broader programme. It also supports the UK Government’s Gigabit capable/full fibre policy.


5.1.5. Market Engagement/Demand StimulationCDS is progressing with market engagement to capture ongoing plans for investment and to encourage the market by highlighting opportunities and promote innovation/testbeds. Demand stimulation efforts are ongoing to generate awareness of initiatives available to provide connections and to drive up demand throughout the HotSW. There is a particular requirement for the market to address the specific connectivity needs in urban centres, market towns and growth locations, including enterprise zones in support of economic development and competitiveness.

5.1.6. Barrier Busting/Policy driversCDS will take a proactive approach in shaping and influencing the national digital agenda, including taking a ‘barrier busting’ approach to issues such as wayleaves and the reintroduction of fibre tax, working with BDUK. There is an important planning consideration in terms of future-proofing new builds to avoid creating additional ‘hot spots’ and to act as a base to enhance connective in surrounding areas.

5.1.7. Delivery approachCDS is currently in procurement for extended NGA Broadband and to encourage Gigabit capable access in line with targets. The programme is in continuous discussions with DCMS regarding synergies and to ensure that the Outside In approach, the Rural Gigabit Connectivity programme and any additional funding announcements are leveraged. The programme has also taken learnings from the pilots that DCMS has undertaken for deploying Gigabit capable/full fibre in rural locations. CDS will take a lead role in understanding what the potential impact of these measures will have in their locality and to influence such activity, working in partnership with communications network providers to reduce barriers to deployment of infrastructure in local areas.

Additional public funding has been awarded to CDS from the LEP, and the above options are being developed into a business case for the use of this investment to drive gigabit connectivity. Alongside this will be the options for the CDS programme to introduce additional sums returned as part of the dividends earned by the programme due to higher levels of take up being achieved.

5.2. Benefits of this actionCDS’s approach is to stimulate the market and to work with industry, the UK Government, local authorities, and others to assist in lowering barriers to deployment of Gigabit capable/full fibre networks in rural areas. Planned procurement activity for extended NGA Broadband access will emphasise and promote gigabit speeds.

CDS will play a major role in promoting Gigabit capable/full fibre, taking a holistic approach to the drivers for deeper penetration of fibre (including both fixed and mobile) and working proactively to secure investment, drive demand and to stimulate the market.

Understanding the specific issues associated with urban areas and raising awareness of initiatives available to provide gigabit connections and the benefits of such connections should help drive demand and market delivery.

These efforts will promote Gigabit capable/full fibre connectivity in line with targets.


5.3. Measures and milestones

Milestone Funding Sources What does success look

likeMeasuring Success

Outcome of the extended NGA Broadband and Gigabit access procurement (end of Q3 fy 2020/2021)

BDUK/DCMS HotSW LEP

Local AuthoritiesPrivate Sector

(see Figure 6: ExtendedNGA and Gigabit Access

Procurement FundingPackage Extended NGA

and Gigabit Access Procurement Funding Package for funding

levels)

Successful appointment of

Bidders submitting the

most economically advantageous

(MEAT) tender to deliver a Speed and Coverage

outcome within funding levels

Contract Award/Implementati

on Plan agreedNGA connections

(premises)Gigabit capable

connections (premises)

NGA coverage (%)

Leverage the Outside In programme, the Rural Gigabit Connectivity programme and any additional funding announcements in line with targets within the period of this LBP

BDUK/DCMS HotSW LEP


Funding leveraged

Accelerated delivery of

Gigabit/full fibre

Gigabit connections (premises)

Full fibre coverage (%)

Level of funds leveraged (£)

Comprehensive list of assets and strategic case (end Q2 fy 2021/2022)

HotSW LEPLocal Authorities

Comprehensive mapping of assets

Strategic Case delivered

Leverage assets to reduce barriers

Community Challenge Programme Phase 1 (end Q3 fy 2020/2021)

HotSW LEPLocal Authorities

Private Sector

Challenge Fund available to

support community solutions

Funds leveraged (£)Number of

community projects underway


6. Superfast6.1. Current Position

As part of CDS commitment to provide superfast broadband to residents, businesses and communities, and building on its initial contract with Openreach that saw more than 298,000 homes connected to superfast broadband services, there are live contracts with Airband in northern Devon and within Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks. These contracts when complete will deliver more than 20,000 additional superfast connections. Recently a fibre extension programme has been announced to the Airband contract. These contracts have benefitted from investment from the LEP. The current position according to the Ofcom Connected Nations Spring 2019 data presents Superfast/Ultrafast coverage and premises that fall below the current USO as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5: Superfast/Ultrafast/USO Position (Ofcom CN Spring 19)

The latest commercial position across the CDS area declared as part of an Open Market Review (OMR) conducted in 2019 is stated in the State Aid Public Consultation5, that indicates NGA coverage levels of 1,005,429 premises (with 23,637 premises under review) out of a total 1,100,494 premises.

In autumn 2018, CDS undertook a broadband survey which resulted in 1,209 responses, predominantly from residential (68%) and mixed residential/business customers (30%). Some of the key statistics from this were:

• 17% of respondents were happy with their current service• 43% of respondents have upgraded their broadband package, with 80% of

those feeling a positive impact• 12 companies said turnover has increased due to improved connectivity• 1/3 of respondents unaware they would need to enquire if faster broadband is

available5 https://www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2016-NBS-Public-Consultation-Document-FINAL.pdfDVC2D1V2.227Digital Connectivity | Connectivity Lab | Digital Workplace

• 1/2 of respondents unwilling to pay more for a faster service

6.2. What we are doing about Superfast6.2.1. OJEU Procurement

CDS is currently conducting a gap funded OJEU Procurement to competitively select one or more Bidders to deliver extended NGA Broadband & Gigabit Access through 6 (six) lots which cover specific geographic areas within the CDS area. This procurement is being conducted under the 2016 NBS, however time is critical as this is set to expire at the end of 2020, and work will need to be contracted within that timeframe. CDS is also investigating the feasibility and potential benefits of developing a framework to allow for future call-offs under any new state aid scheme. The procurement objectives are as follows:

• Seek NGA solutions that meet all State Aid principles as directed by the UK Government, with a primary focus on achieving a solution to as many of the 68,898 identified NGA white premises as possible within the following Lots by December 2024:‒ LOT A – This covers North Somerset, Bath & North East Somerset Administrative

areas and includes Bath and Weston-Super-Mare.‒ LOT B – Located in Somerset, this Lot includes Wells, Glastonbury and Burnham on

Sea and includes the Mendip Hills.‒ LOT C – Located in the north of Somerset adjacent to the Bristol Channel and

ExmoorNational Park and includes the Quantock Hills. The Lot includes Taunton and Bridgwater and the new Hinkley C Power Station site.

‒ LOT D – Located in the south of Somerset bordering Dorset and Devon and includes Yeovil, Wincanton, Langport, Crewkerne and Chard.

‒ LOT E – Forms part of central Devon and borders Somerset, Exmoor National Park and Exeter. Runs along the East Devon coast from the Exe Estuary to Dorset. This Lot includes the East Devon AONB, part of the Blackdown Hills AONB and towns of Exmouth, Honiton, Sidmouth and the city of Exeter.

‒ LOT F – This Lot runs from the Exe Estuary and covers part of the South Devon coast. It runs along the coast, borders Dartmoor National Park, includes the towns of Newton Abbot, Teignmouth, Dawlish, Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge and includes the South Devon AONB.

• Emphasise NGA solutions capable of delivering Gigabit speeds• Deliver as much coverage as possible within a Lot, with a focus on speed uplift within

villages, hamlets and towns;• Target as many eligible rural business premises as possible identified in the Speed

and Coverage Template by the end of June 2022.• Target as many eligible SME’s as possible identified in the Speed and Coverage

Template by the end of June 2023.

• Ensure the procured solutions provide value for money; • Appoint supplier(s) that provide the best economic return in the most

expedient timescale; • Share information openly to set expectations for the contracted broadband

coverage allowing timely solutions to be investigated for premises not expected to be served.


Funding Plan

The following table sets out the specific breakdown of the public sector subsidy available for the procurement.

Sourcing Fund

Amount Available From Requirements for Funding

Local Authorities

£5,601,475 December 2020 Spent by December 2024

DCMS £18,785,125 December 2020 Spent by December 2024

ERDF £2,981,680 December 2020 Spent by June 2023

RDPE £3,165,000 December 2020 Spent by June 2022

Heart of the South West

LEP£8,010,520 December 2020 Spent by

December 2021

Total £38,543,800

Figure 6: Extended NGA and Gigabit Access Procurement Funding Package

6.2.2. Other actionsCDS’s approach to delivery of Gigabit capable/full fibre is described in Section 5. These supporting actions will play a key role in delivering NGA solutions to rural areas. CDS is progressing with market engagement to capture ongoing plans for investment and to encourage the market by highlighting opportunities and promote innovation/testbeds, including an understanding of emerging technologies for delivering NGA solutions and where fixed/mobile provision can provide complimentary solutions to meeting targets. Demand stimulation efforts are ongoing to generate awareness of initiatives available to provide connections and to drive up demand.

6.3. Benefits of this actionThe above actions will encourage deeper penetration of NGA solutions (with priority placed on Gigabit speeds). CDS will continue to explore solutions for the final hard to reach areas, with the new Universal Service Obligation (USO) also a consideration as a last resort to provide a service.

6.4. Measures and milestonesMileston

eFunding Sources

What does

success Measuring Success


look likeOutcome of the extended NGA Broadband and Gigabit access procurement (end of Q3 fy 2020/2021)

BDUK/DCMS

HotSW LEPLocal

AuthoritiesPrivate Sector

(see Figure6:

ExtendedNGA andGigabitAccess

Procurement FundingPackage Extended NGA and Gigabit Access

Procurement Funding Package

for funding levels)

Successful appointment of Bidders submitting the most

economically

advantageous (MEAT) tender to deliver a

Speed and Coverage outcome

within funding levels

Contract Award/Implementation Plan agreedNGA connections (premises)

Gigabit capable connections (premises)NGA coverage (%)

See also Section 5.4 for other supporting actions to deliver NGA connectivity

7. Mobile (4G)7.1. Current Position

There are geographic and premise not-spots, and areas where there is only one operator available. For customers not using that operator, these areas will appear as not-spots. Capital funding of £2.5m was awarded to the CDS partnership by the LEP to trial new approaches and solutions to filling rural “not spots”. CDS


developed a business case for investment in mast infrastructure but the project has been difficult to mobilise, largely due to the following:

• Concerns around the robustness of the State Aid approach and market feedback;

• Concerns around scale of not-spot issue not being attractive to the market;• Questions on the value for money from this investment given the number of

premises served.

The Ofcom Connected Nations report provides statistics as of January 2019 on the current position of 2G, 3G and 4G coverage across the UK. Across England, 83% of premises are predicted to have geographic 4G coverage from all four Mobile Network Operators, compared with 80% achieving indoor coverage. Overall, 2% of premises are not expected to achieve geographic coverage from any operator. The geographic coverage in each Local/Unitary Authority for the HotSW geography is shown in Figure 7: Geographic (outdoor & indoor) 4G Not Spots, with the level of coverage by the number of MNOs shown in Figure 8: Premise (outdoor) 4GCoverage

Figure 8: Premise (outdoor) 4G Coverage.

Figure 7: Geographic (outdoor & indoor) 4G Not Spots


0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10% 10%

6%5%

4%

2% 2%1% 1%

1% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

7%

8%

2%

4%5%

3%4%

1%1% 1%

3%

1%

0% 0% 0%

4G services, geographic (outdoor): no reliable signal (%)4G services, geographic (indoor): no reliable signal (%)

West So

merset

South

Hams

West Dev

on

Teign

bridge

North D

evon

Torrid

ge

Mid Dev

on

East D

evon

Mendip

Sedgem

oor

South

Somers

et

Taunto

n Dea

neExe

ter

Plymou

thTor

bay

0102030405060708090

100

73 82 8294 87 84 88 96

8193 86 93 100 100 99

Sum of 4G services, premises (outdoor): no reliable signal (%)Sum of 4G services, premises (outdoor): signal from 1 operator (%)Sum of 4G services, premises (outdoor): signal from 2 operators (%)Sum of 4G services, premises (outdoor): signal from 3 operators (%)Sum of 4G services, premises (outdoor): signal from all operators (%)

Figure 8: Premise (outdoor) 4G Coverage

The picture in terms of 4G coverage varies significantly between the Local/Unitary Authorities in both the level of competition between the MNOs and percentage of landmass unserved. Geographic coverage only shows part of the picture, especially in areas that are unpopulated. Combining the results to look at overall premise coverage (outdoors) across the CDS region equates to around 3,000 premises unserved.

As part of the 700MHz 3.6-3.8GHz spectrum auction, Ofcom had originally intended to impose a coverage obligation on the 700MHz band, although that has since been replaced by the SRN programme. This was to consist of three aspects:

• To provide a good quality mobile service outdoors in at least 90% of the UK landmass, including at least 90% of England

• To provide a good quality service outdoors for at least 140,000 premises to which is currently does not provide good coverage

• To deploy at least 500 new wide area mobile sites across the UK.

CDS is due to launch its new Mobile Boost scheme this autumn, designed to support some of the most rural areas of the region. Funded through the HotSW LEP Digital Call, the scheme is aimed at small businesses and households who currently have inadequate indoor mobile phone coverage from their existing provider and who are currently struggling with connectivity due to their rural location. The scheme offers vouchers with a value of £800 for eligible business & residential premises to acquire a mobile signal booster which will improve internal coverage, using OFCOM approved equipment. Whilst the project is predicated on ensuring the ability to make voice calls, the equipment also improves indoor 4G coverage. The scheme will be promoted through District Council economic development networks and will run alongside current CDS and commercial provision as a further contribution to enhancing digital connectivity within the region.

Looking at these in the context of the CDS geography, the data from Ofcom shows all the Authorities have already met the England-wide requirement of 90%


coverage when considering 4G alone as a data service. Given the small number of unserved 4G premises, it doesn’t seem likely that the region would have greatly benefited from the other obligations originally proposed with the auction.

When looking to prioritise the areas mostly in need of 4G coverage to enable internet access, the availability of fixed broadband should also be considered. The availability of WiFi calling from all the MNOs means that a fixed broadband service can now provide a basic mobile service.

On this basis, it is expected that only a small number of premises are left without access to a mobile service. If premises are without mobile coverage and poor broadband service, then as a last resort the USO should provide a broadband service which can be used for some mobile services. If a premise currently has access to one or more 4G operators, it would be expected that a mobile broadband service is also available.

Mobile operators are continuing to make investments, upgrade equipment and in some cases share infrastructure, leading to incremental coverage improvements and even investment in rural areas. This includes commitments associated with spectrum licences, ongoing 4G in-fill investments and the deployment of technological solutions to boost existing signal quality (i.e. aerials and boosters). There are also a range of measures being investigated at a national level including spectrum sharing, roaming, planning levers etc to improve mobile coverage. An example of industry movement is Vodafone UK having agreed to share some of its “unused” 4G radio spectrum with StrattoOpencell for the purpose of extending Mobile Broadband coverage.

7.2. What we are doing about 4GPublic intervention in mobile services has been difficult to achieve due to the control the mobile network operators have of the market and the limited regulatory measures directed at driving rural coverage. Investing in mast infrastructure for mobile operators to use is challenging as there is little interest from operators in addressing these very rural not-spots. Without operator commitment such infrastructure investment would be wasted.

The UK is now preparing for a shift towards the switch on of 5G, as the next incarnation of mobile technology. With support from the UK Government, regulator and commercial impetus, 5G is beginning to make an impact with use cases in both the urban and rural context. Innovation/Testbeds are being encouraged by UK Government with the Rural Connected Communities application demonstrating a key driver by UK Government for innovative use cases and technical solutions to build the business case for investment in rural connectivity and demonstrate the capability of 5G to benefit rural communities.

The following options have been considered for improving mobile coverage.

Action Benefits RisksIntervene to build mobile sites in complete not-spot areas for MNO to supply services

This would address complete not-spots and if successful would provide

mobile services, plus potential alternative to

fixed broadband services to premises.

MNO’s unlikely to be interested in such a

limited market intervention. USO provision may be through 4G infill

which may address these areas

Build sites in not-spot areas for local license solution

This would address complete not-spots and if successful would provide

mobile services, plus potential alternative to

fixed broadband services to premises. Would not

rely on MNOs direct participation.

Relies on new untried licensing approach from Ofcom. USO provision may be through 4G infill



Introduce free WiFi in not-spot areas

This would provide a fixed solution which

would allow mobile calls via WiFi within WiFi

coverage area

Would not provide truly mobile solution. Would rely on Council effort to initiate and potential revenue

costs to sustain. USO provision may be through 4G infill


Lower barriers to MNO commercial build through provision of further fibre build in remote areas

Provision of backhaul can be a costly significant

barrier. If fibre is available nearby, this cost can be reduced.

Fibre may be delivered as part of a wider

package of benefits to rural residential and

business usersThis could include the

support of fibre backhaul to ESN/EAS sites to enable commercial

servicesOther options to reduce barriers to deployment

could include rates relief, or support through local

planning legislation

No guarantee that this will be enough to

encourage MNOs

Leave for market and future developments nationally

Increased spectrum will have coverage targets;

MNO further deployment may involve 4G provision

in rural areas; further national infill scheme could surface (MIP v2)

No local proactive measures other than lobbying of issues to MNOs and national

bodies

Overall, given the challenge in funding 4G infill and relatively small scale of unserved premises, CDS will focus on supporting the national initiatives and to lower barriers where possible to encourage the market to extend 4G rollout and encourage a clear upgrade path for future technologies. Consideration will be given to mobile and fixed complementary solutions in rural areas, such as deeper penetration of full fibre offering backhaul options for further mobile deployment and broadband solutions offering WiFi calling.

One such CDS initiative is the Mobile Booster programme aiming to provide better mobile coverage within circa 1,500 premises during the period Autumn 2020 through to March 2022.

7.3. Benefits of this actionThe benefits of ubiquitous access to 4G services have been previously identified by CDS, with significant demand from residents, business and tourists. Previous research quoted by CDS indicates that rural businesses may suffer losses of between £150-£200 a month due to mobile-not spots. Activities identified to lower barriers to extension of MNO rollouts will also be applicable to the 5G rollout and will help to ensure that the CDS region remains competitive and can maximise investment from the MNOs. These actions will help to enhance competition by improving the range of MNOs present and the perceived ‘Not Spots’ where a single operator is not present. Consideration needs to be given to how the suite of actions across the workstreams identified in the LBP can offer deeper penetration of full fibre to offer backhaul options for further mobile deployment, broadband solutions for WiFi calling and the capability of new technologies to deliver enhanced mobile solutions, including proposals for delivering connectivity in rural


communities. CDS will look to focus the capital funding of £2.5m that was awarded by the LEP, with the above in mind.

7.4. Measures and milestones Milestone Funding

SourcesWhat does

success look like

Measuring Success

Identify true not-spot locations (end Q3 fy 2020/2021)

Local Authorities

Not spots identified

Understanding of true not spots and

implications

Engagement with MNOs and ESN on coverage opportunities and engagement with Ofcom on local licensing opportunities (end Q4 fy 2020/2021)

Local Authorities

Established position on coverage

opportunities and local licensing

Understanding of opportunities for

resolving not spots

Completion of Mobile Booster programme December 2021

Heart of the South West

CDSIndividual

beneficiaries

Business and homeworkers supported to communicate

more efficiently

Number of installations

completed by December 2021


8. 5G8.1. Current Position

5G is at its early stage with the four national mobile operators starting to deploy 5G sites to provide mobile broadband in selected city areas. Mobile handsets are appearing on the market and operators will market faster speeds and better user experience to start gaining 5G subscribers. Additional services will be offered as 5G standards develop and more spectrum becomes available.

The region is host to part of the 5G RuralFirst programme which is a DCMS 5G Testbed with sites across the UK, including Somerset. Within the South West Dairy Development Centre, agri-tech sensor connectivity is being tested out using 5G on a dairy farm to determine how such technology can improve husbandry and yields.

What we are doing about 5G8.1.1. Identifying Opportunities

Initially 5G is likely to be rolled out to existing 4G sites on a commercial basis. As higher frequencies are used and density of service is required in key locations, access to sites will be important for operators. The information about 5 G in this report represents a “snapshot” of a quickly changing network situation and it is expected that the 5G landscape will change.

Public bodies may choose to assist this by considering how their assets may be used to support 5G deployments in their area.

Pursue test bed and trials

CDS is investigating the possibility of the area engaging in further rounds of 5G trials. This could position the region as an early promoter of 5G in specialised sectors to test 5G technologies, and use cases, and stimulate market engagement. The LIS has identified three main development categories for the area based around Anchors, Beacons and Catalysts:

• Anchors (significant activity exists) - Marine/aerospace in Plymouth and Somerset, photonics in Torbay, nuclear in West Somerset, health in Exeter and Plymouth

• Beacons (exhibiting best practice) - Aerospace in Yeovil, marine in Plymouth, data in Exeter and Taunton, health and environment in Exeter

• Catalysts (markets driving change) - Marine in Plymouth, photonics in Torbay, data in Exeter and Taunton, nuclear in Somerset, health and environment in Exeter &Plymouth

One of these sectors, the Plymouth marine cluster for example, may be a potential for 5G development supported through a future 5G testbed. To be successful, such a project would need to include partner organisations across SMEs and Universities/research bodies.

Another obvious target would be to build on the Agri-EPI Centre 5G RuralFirst test bed to encourage knowledge sharing and leverage benefits. This activity should include facilitating relationships between potential partners and liaison with DCMS. A strong case would need to be made using a partnership approach and a readily deliverable model in the face of competition across the country.


8.2. Benefits of this actionGovernment policy is promoting the potential of 5G as an enabling technology that can support economic growth nationally. This is likely to be achieved through improved mobile broadband experience across the country and identifying use cases focused on specific key sectors. The benefits of the actions identified aim to address each of these by:

• Leverage the experience and knowledge of the Agri-EPI Centre and explore opportunities to develop this further;

• Positioning the marine cluster as a potential testbed environment for 5G trials, raising the profile of the sector, area and LEP.

• Positioning the local authorities as forward thinking in this area and open for business

• Lowering barriers to MNOs to encourage wider rollout of 5G for mobile broadband through use of public assets where applicable;

CDS is aware that some members of the public have concerns over the perceived health risks of 5G. We follow advice from Public Health England (PHE), the UK’s lead technical authority on this matter. PHE’s current evidence indicates that there should be no consequence for public health. Overall exposure to radio waves when 5G is added to existing networks, or deployed in a new area, remains low relative to guidelines and, therefore, there should be no health implications. For a full explanation of PHE’s position on 5G and health, you can find more information on the UK Government website.

8.3. Measures and milestonesMilestone Funding Sources What does

success look like

Measuring Success

Assessing the opportunity 5G presents and understand the economic impacts for the region.Q2 2021/22

CDS Agreed approach for the

collaboration-

If investigations into opportunities of 5G prove positive to engage with marine cluster

BDUK/DCMSHotSW LEP


At least one technical trial

underway, with links to local businesses, public sector bodies and

Trials underway (number)

Trial progress status (%)

Commercial


and suitable partners to identify potential for 5G. Engagement should also include MNOs on 5G deployment plans and potential barriers, highlighting the opportunity for specific use cases to be trialled in the HotSW and with DCMS on 5G innovation/testbeds (end Q4 fy 2020/2021)

CatapultsUniversities

UK5G

universitiesProof of

concepts emerging to address local needs with

scope for wider adoption

Demonstration to sector and

wider business community of opportunities

investment secured (£)


9. Summary ActionsThe following summarises the actions across all workstreams.

Workstream

Actions Checkpoint

Gigabit capable/full fibre

• Outcome of the extended NGA Broadband and Gigabit access procurement

• Outside In programme, the Rural Gigabit Connectivity programme and any additional funding announcements leveraged in line with targets

• Comprehensive list of digital assets and strategic case

• Challenge Fund • Fibre Extension Programme –

Openreach • Business Case for additional public

investment from the LEP and proposals for introduction of additional dividend / clawback sums

• End Q3 fy 2020/2021

• Within timeframe of LBP

• End Q42fy 2021//2022

• End Q3 fy 2020/2021

• End Q4 20/21• End Q4 20/21

Superfast

• Outcome of the extended NGA Broadband and Gigabit access procurement

• Outside In programme, the Rural Gigabit Connectivity programme and any additional funding announcements leveraged in line with targets Challenge Programme Phase 1

• End Q3 fy 2020/2021

• Within timeframe of LBP

Mobile (4G)

• Identify true not-spot locations• Engage with MNOs and ESN on

coverage opportunities and with Ofcom on local licensing opportunities

• Mobile Boost

• End Q4 fy 2020/2021

• End Q4 fy 2020/2021

5G• Investigate barriers and

opportunities for 5G deployment/use cases

• End Q2 fy 2021/2022


10.Governance10.1.Programme Board

The Programme Board commissioned specific legal advice to develop an appropriate governance arrangement to oversee the delivery of the 2011 Local Broadband Plan. The outcome from this work was a decision to apply an administrative arrangement. Under this SCC and the other local authorities will make arrangements for the discharge of functions relevant to the delivery of the Plan jointly. Administrative arrangements between local authorities involve exercising statutory powers (sections 101 and 102 of the Local Government Act 2000 and sections 19 and 20 of the Local Government Act 2000 and associated statutory instruments) to make arrangements under which one local authority arranges for another local authority to exercise functions on its behalf. The use of a Programme Board can provide the benefit of streamlined decision making, as that Board would take strategic decisions which would avoid the need to go back to individual councils for every decision. The use of a Programme Board also helps ensure good transparency and accountability in shared decision making.

The Programme Board is responsible for monitoring and ensuring that the Programme is delivered in accordance with the Local Broadband Plan, overseeing delivery of the procurement, rollout, demand stimulation and skills uplift projects. The board will include voting and non-voting members, with voting rights reflecting funding commitment and risks.

The Programme Board shall ensure that where significant variations risks or changes are identified which may affect the successful delivery of the Programme these matters are raised with the relevant Authorities in accordance with their constitutions together with recommendations to vary/update the Local Broadband Plan or alternative remedial action.

In particular, the Programme Board shall:

Facilitate the Local Broadband Plan across the Area, exercising through the respective Executive Members of Devon and Somerset the powers of delegation from these authorities. Where the Chief Executive of either Devon or Somerset is of the view that in respect of a particular decision their Executive Member does not have the necessary delegation then such decision shall be referred back to that Authority’s Cabinet and taken in accordance with that Authority’s constitution;

Monitor the implementation of the Programme against any approved business case;

Ensure the Programme is properly managed;

Give direction to the Authorities in the implementation of the Programme

The Programme Board shall consist of:

The Cabinet Members of Devon and Somerset with responsibility for economic development in their respective authorities

A senior officer from Devon and Somerset

A nominated senior officer from each of B&NES, Devon, North Somerset and Somerset

Two nominated Cabinet Members or senior officers (or a combination of such) to represent the combined interests of Mendip, Sedgemoor, Taunton Deane and West Somerset

A nominated Cabinet Member or senior officer to represent the interests of Teignbridge and West Devon Borough Council


A representative from BDUK

A representative from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership

Involvement of key stakeholders (including wider public sector partners such as the NHS and Police) will be secured through membership of existing forums and through establishing specific task and finish groups, if appropriate. The wider governance structure will set out the involvement of businesses and business organisations, District and Parish Councils, communities and MPs.

Somerset County Council acts as the Accountable body for the collaboration.

The Accountable body shall

Negotiate the Grant Funding with BDUK

Complete and enter into the Programme Agreements

Oversee the Implementation of the Programme Agreements

Ensure compliance with the terms of the Programme Agreements

If necessary, enforce the terms of the Programme Agreements

Monitor and evaluate the processes and the outcomes of the Programme

Carry out project management during all Phases of the Programme including development, procurement, deployment and operation

10.2.Project Management StructureCDS has an extensive track record in managing and delivering large complex community focused infrastructure schemes. The programme will have a Director and a Project Manager. Throughout the project PRINCE2 principles will be applied, with team members appropriately accredited. In addition, they will be supported by dedicated support staff familiar with working with external partners and European funding streams. Specific support will include a suitably qualified senior finance officer, senior procurement officer, and Press Officers.

The Programme Director shall be an officer appointed by Devon County Council Board. The Programme Director is responsible for the overall co-ordination of the Programme ensuring that the Programme is delivered effectively and on time throughout each Programme Phase. In particular the Programme Director shall:

Be responsible for the overall coordination and delivery of the Programme through the Programme delivery team

Be the principal advisor on the Programme to the Programme Board, the Authorities Cabinet Members Senior Officers and others as required.

Be responsible for all aspects of the Programme including budgets, selection and supervision of external consultants

Provide formal and informal written and verbal reports to the Programme Board, the Authorities and Officers of the Authorities

Manage and communicate major programme risks

Manage stakeholder involvement and expectations

Ensure the Programme complies with contracting, procurement and financial regulations

Carry out any other duties that are relevant to the scope and purpose of the role as delegated by the Programme Board


The Programme Manager shall be an officer appointed by Somerset County Council and this position is supported by an external consultant Programme Manager.

The Programme Manager is responsible for the day to day running of the Programme. General responsibilities include the coordination and management of the Programme Team and working with the Programme Director to report progress and issues to the Programme Board.


Version ControlOwner Jan Miszalowski

Classification Client Confidential

Revision Description Author Checked Reviewed Authorised Date

1.0 Initial Version JM/CB/AM AM AM JM 02/08/2019

1.1 Update draft JM/CB AM AM JM 06/09/2019

1.2 Final Draft JM/CB AM AM JM 02/10/2019

2.0 Final Version JM/CB AM AM JM 08/11/2019

2.1 Final Version Issued

JM/CB AM AM JM 06/12/2019

2.2 LBP Refresh JM NW NW JM 30/06/2020

Copyright © 2019FarrPoint Ltd has produced the information contained herein for Devon County Council. The ownership, use and disclosure of this information are subject to the Terms and Conditions contained in the contract between FarrPoint Ltd and Devon County Council under which it was prepared.

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Proposal · Web viewHotSW LEP Local Broadband Plan June 2020 Contents 1.Introduction4 2.Background5...

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