UPDATES 3 & 4 - Superfast Fibre Broadband Project for Throwley

For completnes, I enclose below two updates which were sent to our community using Throwley WhatsApp group.

UPDATE 3 - Superfast Fibre Broadband Project for Throwley, 06/01/2021

Yesterday, I received an initial cost estimate of £324,761 for our broadband project. Openreach included all the premises which are connected to the Eastling exchange and to the same distribution points as the premises on our original list. Therefore, we have now 161 premises with the cost of £2017.15 per unit – well within the voucher scheme.
I have already contacted KCC requesting the voucher guarantee for the project and I am hoping for their positive response.
I am awaiting from Openreach for the detailed premises list in a format which can be published on our website, so we can identify any errors or if anyone is missing. I will let you know when this is available.

UPDATE 4 - Superfast Fibre Broadband Project for Throwley, 07/03/2021

I was delaying this update until I knew for certain the status of the project. However, it may still be some time, so here is intermittent report.
We have not made as good a progress as we have hoped for. The main reason was a delay from Openreach in providing the final cost for the project, so it could be submitted to BDUK before the shortened deadline of 19th February. Emails and telephone calls to the Openreach Rural Engagement Manager, both from myself as well as our MP Helen Whately did not help and the deadline was missed. In fact, we have not received the final quote even now, long time after it should have been produced. The Openreach excuse was unprecedented demand from the rural communities.
Fortunately, there is still some hope. Apparently, there is a new rural broadband grant scheme starting in April. According to OFCOM, Throwley is in their area 3, which means we will qualify. I am seeking for more information about this new initiative and I will update you as soon as I know anything concrete.