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Last Updated: 14/11/2024 11:14:37
Annan Broadband Project update
Wednesday, 01 May 2013 11:15
The Annan Broadband Project is taking its next steps in a time-limited trial funded mainly by Scottish Government. The trial is using the emerging technology of White Space radio.
White space radio is in its infancy. The system seeks out unused wireless frequencies amongst those currently in use for radio, TV and mobile phones. In this case it is being used for wireless broadband.
The first premises in Annan received an internet connection through the Annan Broadband Project in October 2012 and more have been connected since then. The first users have tested the network thoroughly and helped the project team to decide on the next steps.
That vital information has led to the following decisions:
• Moving one of the base stations to provide a better coverage in the town
• Keeping the numbers of premises taking part to 25 for technical reasons to make sure a good service can be delivered during the time-limited trial.
• A smaller number of participants will ensure that we can get some robust and useful information from the trial
Chair of Planning, Housing and Environment Committee, Councillor Ian Carruthers, said, “The project team has appreciated the patience of local residents and businesses who put their names forward right at the start. Whether you have contributed as a survey respondent or are contributing as a broadband trialist, thank you very much for your input. The need for better digital connections was identified in the Annan Masterplan.
“We are dealing with cutting edge technology and that means the outcome is going to be hard to predict. However, the results are of vital importance to both the wider South of Scotland Broadband Programme. This applies particularly to the 10 to 15% of premises that are difficult to reach. Our Council is contributing £12.6 million towards this huge undertaking to provide a modern broadband service to as people in the region as possible. Scottish Government provided most of the funding for the project and will be interested in the results for the national roll out. They all need to know what technology is suitable in different locations.”
Local participants have been helpful in a number of ways:
• Their response to our initial survey helps to show the demand for better broadband in Annan
• The survey gave us an interesting picture of how people in Annan use their broadband connections and the kind of speeds they were getting
• We have been able to identify volunteers for the trial from around the town and in the rural areas around it.
Annan Athletic Football Club is enjoying enhanced broadband thanks to the pilot project in the town.
Annan Athletic Chairman, Henry McClelland, said “We are using the system on a daily basis as our accounts are carried out online. A lot of our business depends on communications through e-mail and we are seeing the benefit of the enhanced speed. Probably the most significant benefit of the broadband system will be realised as the club moves more into the community with the creation of the Annan Athletic community hub with the associated trust status. We see the broadband as a key tool to enable us to engage with individuals and groups of all ages and interests to use the facilities and expertise at Galabank.”
Another positive outcome of the trial for Annandale has been the setting up of Annandale TV. www.annan.tv has found a home with Annan Football Club as part of their community hub. There will be weekly features and news including sport, health, music and much more.
If you haven’t already signed up to the South of Scotland demand survey, please help us with the wider project by registering your interest in better broadband at the following link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SOSBroadbandRegistration
More on regeneration in Annan can be found at:
http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=7419
White space radio is in its infancy. The system seeks out unused wireless frequencies amongst those currently in use for radio, TV and mobile phones. In this case it is being used for wireless broadband.
The first premises in Annan received an internet connection through the Annan Broadband Project in October 2012 and more have been connected since then. The first users have tested the network thoroughly and helped the project team to decide on the next steps.
That vital information has led to the following decisions:
• Moving one of the base stations to provide a better coverage in the town
• Keeping the numbers of premises taking part to 25 for technical reasons to make sure a good service can be delivered during the time-limited trial.
• A smaller number of participants will ensure that we can get some robust and useful information from the trial
Chair of Planning, Housing and Environment Committee, Councillor Ian Carruthers, said, “The project team has appreciated the patience of local residents and businesses who put their names forward right at the start. Whether you have contributed as a survey respondent or are contributing as a broadband trialist, thank you very much for your input. The need for better digital connections was identified in the Annan Masterplan.
“We are dealing with cutting edge technology and that means the outcome is going to be hard to predict. However, the results are of vital importance to both the wider South of Scotland Broadband Programme. This applies particularly to the 10 to 15% of premises that are difficult to reach. Our Council is contributing £12.6 million towards this huge undertaking to provide a modern broadband service to as people in the region as possible. Scottish Government provided most of the funding for the project and will be interested in the results for the national roll out. They all need to know what technology is suitable in different locations.”
Local participants have been helpful in a number of ways:
• Their response to our initial survey helps to show the demand for better broadband in Annan
• The survey gave us an interesting picture of how people in Annan use their broadband connections and the kind of speeds they were getting
• We have been able to identify volunteers for the trial from around the town and in the rural areas around it.
Annan Athletic Football Club is enjoying enhanced broadband thanks to the pilot project in the town.
Annan Athletic Chairman, Henry McClelland, said “We are using the system on a daily basis as our accounts are carried out online. A lot of our business depends on communications through e-mail and we are seeing the benefit of the enhanced speed. Probably the most significant benefit of the broadband system will be realised as the club moves more into the community with the creation of the Annan Athletic community hub with the associated trust status. We see the broadband as a key tool to enable us to engage with individuals and groups of all ages and interests to use the facilities and expertise at Galabank.”
Another positive outcome of the trial for Annandale has been the setting up of Annandale TV. www.annan.tv has found a home with Annan Football Club as part of their community hub. There will be weekly features and news including sport, health, music and much more.
If you haven’t already signed up to the South of Scotland demand survey, please help us with the wider project by registering your interest in better broadband at the following link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SOSBroadbandRegistration
More on regeneration in Annan can be found at:
http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=7419
Page last updated: 20/05/2022
