Fixed Wireless Broadband
The rollout of superfast broadband using fibre alone can be very difficult to achieve in more remote areas. In order to be less reliant on physical cable connections, the next stage of the programme was to build a brand new wireless infrastructure which eliminates the need for miles of cable to be laid to reach these rural locations.
In September 2020 the Combined Authority signed a third contract, as part of the SFWY&Y programme, with a new partner, Quickline Communications Ltd. This was to bring superfast broadband to rural locations that are very costly to reach by FTTC or FTTP technologies.
This was achieved by deploying new masts and transmitters that are specifically designed to connect customers to the internet via a ‘Fixed Wireless Access’ network. Many of these rural locations also struggle to get a decent internet connection so it is a great alternative to fill that gap in service and rebalance the disparity between urban and rural. Because of the fixed nature, this should not be confused with mobile broadband (ie 3G, 4G and 5G) which you would receive on a device with a SIM card, such as your phone.
Public funding for this project was in place until 30th June 2022 with the remainder of the delivery being undertaken through private funding from the supplier up to 30th June 2023.
This Contract has now concluded having brought access to 5,571 eligible properties.
Just under £3m was provided by DEFRA / EAFRD plus contributions from the Supplier and Local Authorities. The Combined Authority have been working with Quickline to install new masts and transmitters around our region. Existing structures will also be utilised, where feasible, to minimise impact. This is a very exciting prospect for more remote areas as it helps to address some of the current inequalities that exist there. It should no longer be the case that residents and businesses in rural locations have to compromise between location and connectivity.
The network will be ‘open access’ meaning that a range of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can provide the broadband service to West Yorkshire residents using this infrastructure.
To receive a broadband service from the ISP will require customer premises equipment (CPE) being installed at your property. Once this is set up, you will be able to access superfast speeds without any need to lay cables or undertake costly infrastructure works.
More information on Quickline can be found on their website.
last updated 05/07/2023
