This is bad news and underlines how difficult it is to deliver infrastructure and other services in a rural area. Clearly, something Freedom Fibre and the Government have grossly underestimated. After Freedom Fibre pulled out of their Cheshire contract, I have been increasingly concerned that something similar could happen in North Shropshire. Indeed, when their monthly newsletter stopped appearing after April, it seemed increasingly likely.
In response to residents’ concerns before the elections, I asked Freedom Fibre if they were going bust and was reassured that they weren’t. After the election, I again approached them and Shropshire Council officers to ask about the progress of the rollout.
With many poles installed in West Felton before Christmas and still no sign of connections going live in June, which is 3 months behind schedule, I again asked questions this week.
This is bitterly disappointing news, so I will want to know how the rollout of this vital internet connectivity proceeds to a satisfactory conclusion.
Project Gigabit network build contract – North Shropshire – GOV.UK
MP demands answers as Freedom Fibre fails in North Shropshire
Alas, no more. Freedom Fibre contract lies in tatters. Rural Parts of West Felton were at the front of the queue, with poles installed and commissioning between November and February. After April, they ghosted the whole of North Shropshire. Appaling.
