York Council to let new £1.3 million broadband network contract

 The Council has issued a media release which is relevant to the cable laying operations currently taking place in the west of the City.

It  claims“Plans to help York stay the most digitally connected city in the UK will be considered by senior councillors at next Thursday’s (7 December) Executive meeting.

The council is proposing to renew the ICT service contract which over the last decade has put York ahead of the rest of the country.

Through installing a future-proof fibre network, the contract has driven improvements to council services, including online reporting, CCTV and traffic management, and connecting the city’s schools, universities and community buildings to high-speed internet access”.

In reality, of course, “on line” reporting systems for the general public are far behind those of comparable Councils while the advanced parking availability sign data stopped being displayed several years ago.

The new contract is expected to be worth in excess of £1.3 million per annum.

The statement goes on to say, “The council’s bold steps and commitment to digital infrastructure has created the platform for multi-millions pound private sector investment which has:

  • provided free wi-fi in the city-centre and park and ride service
  • provided ultra-fast broadband, with speeds between 250 Megabites and 1 Gigabit per second, to over 20,000 York homes and businesses – with over 70% of the city to be covered by 2019
  • attracted businesses to York and given local businesses a competitive advantage
  • helped secure funding to trial the technology of the future, including digital pothole scanning and a traffic system which ‘talks’ to cars across our road network

The existing contract runs out in August 2018. If the Executive approves the proposals, the council will seek a technology provider for the contract that includes design, management and support of the council’s data network services, internet, office and mobile telephone services, as well as the council’s e-security protection services”.

 

The report also proposes including Harrogate Borough Council within the same contract.

 

Cable laying in Foxwood – More information

TalkTalk have now confirmed that they will not be digging up recently resurfaced footpaths in the Foxwood area.

Instead they will hold off installing their 1000mbs  broadband service for at least 2 years in streets like Bellhouse Way, Acomb Wood Drive and the Ainsty Park estate.

The company does say that they have a free 24 hour care line where residents can call to find out more, report an issue, make a complaint etc.

The number is: 0800 542 8073

It seems likely that in addition to Thornwood Covert and Bradley Drive whee work will start on Monday, we understand that the company will then move on to

  • Huntsmans Walk
  • Foxwood Lane
  • Hinton Avenue
  • Lydham Court
  • Doherty Walk

Computer fraud alert by York Police

North Yorkshire Police have been made aware of members of the public receiving phone calls from a male, speaking in a foreign accent, claiming to be from BT advising them that their computer has alerted them to problems in relation to their Broadband/Router.

He claims that it is being heavily infected with a virus and as such BT need to send an engineer to their property the next day.

But beforehand they require the customer to log onto their computer to facilitate a fault report for the engineer.

If the customer refuses to go along with their scam, the male becomes extremely abusive.

If you have been victim to such a phone call please contact Action Fraud on 0300 1232040

Over 300 York businesses benefit from scheme to increase broadband speeds

BroadbandAs the Connection Voucher scheme to improve broadband infrastructure closes, City of York Council has welcomed news that hundreds of businesses and registered charities in York have benefitted from the offer.

Since the scheme launched in April 2014, around 350 York businesses and registered charities have benefitted from the scheme.

Funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the scheme offered grants of up to £3,000 for SMEs and registered charities seeking faster and better broadband.
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Small businesses offered £3000 grant at tomorrows Broadband events in west York

Small businesses and registered charities across York will have the chance to benefit from face to face advice on how they can speed up their broadband, from a £3,000 grant, at a series of road shows taking place across the city.

The drop in sessions, which are taking place throughout January, will showcase the York Connection Voucher Scheme which has been helping small businesses in York increase their broadband speed. At the events advice will be available on how to apply for a £3,000 Connection Voucher* and how it can transform the way businesses and registered charities operate.

Current road show events which have been confirmed are:

  • Holiday Inn, Tadcaster Road on Tuesday 20 January 8.30am-10.30am
  • Explore Acomb Library Learning Centre on Tuesday 20 January 12.30pm-2.30pm
  • West Offices Customer Centre Thursday 22 January 8.30am-11.30am

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Broadband drop in sessions to take place across York

Small businesses and registered charities across York will have the chance to benefit from face to face advice on how they can speed up their broadband, from a £3,000 grant, at a series of road shows taking place across the city.

The drop in sessions, which are taking place throughout January, will showcase the York Connection Voucher Scheme which has been helping small businesses in York increase their broadband speed. At the events advice will be available on how to apply for a £3,000 Connection Voucher* and how it can transform the way businesses and registered charities operate.

Current road show events which have been confirmed are:

  • Elvington Air Museum on Tuesday 13 January 8.30am-10.30am
  • Hilton Hotel, Tower Street on Wednesday 14 January 3.30pm-5.30pm
  • Holiday Inn, Tadcaster Road on Tuesday 20 January 8.30am-10.30am
  • Explore Acomb Library Learning Centre on Tuesday 20 January 12.30pm-2.30pm
  • West Offices Customer Centre Thursday 22 January 8.30am-11.30am

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