Cllr Nadine Watts Calls for More Internet Providers in Wichelstowe

Old Town and East Wichel Councillor, Nadine Watts, is calling for a greater number of internet providers in the Wichelstowe area, claiming East Wichel residents are not able to access value for money internet deals that residents in other areas of the town can. Councillor Watts said this issue had been raised with her by local residents and the quality of the internet connection has also been raised.

Old Town and East Wichel Councillor, Nadine Watts, is calling for a greater number of internet providers in the Wichelstowe area, claiming East Wichel residents are not able to access value for money internet deals that residents in other areas of the town can. Councillor Watts said this issue had been raised with her by local residents and the quality of the internet connection has also been raised.

Currently East Wichel residents only have access to one main internet provider: Seethelight, though other small scale specialist internet providers are now also available to East Wichel residents. The fibre network in East Wichel is open access, so additional internet providers can sign up to use the network as long as they can reach a commercial arrangement with the network owner: Independent Next Generation Networks. Unfortunately other companies have been slow to join.

Swindon Borough Council have limited involvement in the internet provision in East Wichel as the contractual arrangement now lies solely with Taylor Wimpey. Originally the Council and Taylor Wimpey jointly procured the network, but since the split in 2009, Taylor Wimpey have sole responsibility.

Old Town & East Wichel Councillor, Nadine Watts, said:  “The problem regarding the lack of choice around internet provision is something I want resolved as soon as possible.

Currently East Wichel residents do not have access to the same number of internet and television products from companies like BT, Virgin Media and Sky, as residents in the rest of Swindon have on offer. The lack of competition means that residents feel that they are not getting good value for money from their internet deals as other residents can. For example, the main internet provider in Wichelstowe offers a more expensive internet deal than the larger internet providers and the larger providers throw in additional TV coverage as well.
 

I understand that there is an option for the mainstream internet providers to move in to Wichelstowe, but they need to agree contractual terms with the internet network owner.  I hope that all parties can reach an agreement as soon as possible. Further delays will mean that East Wichel residents will continue to have limited choice with regard to internet packages and therefore getting poor value for money.”