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Frequently Asked Questions:

 
Q: What is a broadband not-spot?
 
A: Broadband not-spots are areas within enabled exchanges that still cannot access first generation broadband. Our definition of first generation broadband is 512kbps downstream and 256kbps upstream.
 
If you are experiencing speeds slower than this, we would class you as a not-spot. There are several reasons why some areas are classified as not-spots,
 
These include:
 
  1. The length of the copper line from the telephone exchange to the site is too long;
  2. There is a line sharing device (also known as DACS - Digital Access Carrier System) on the line - Broadband needs to be directly connected to a site, so it will not work over these line sharing devices;
  3. Existence of aluminium cabling in the line.
  4. Poor quality copper cabling. The copper cabling may be badly corroded or the quality of the copper may be lower, so broadband would have difficulty in going over the cable.
  5. Poor connections in the line. The connections between cables or repairs are also a place where some of the broadband signal can be lost.

 

 

Q: How can i check my current broadband speed to see if I'm in a not-spot?

 

A: There are a number of broadband speed checkers on the internet. Open a search engine (google, msn, Jeeves) and type in "ADSL speed checker".

 

Use whichever one you prefer to check your line speed. If you are experiencing lower upstream or downstream speeds, than those reported then please contact us at: enquiries@bbwo.org.uk

 

 

Q: What is the Welsh Assembly doing to sort this problem out?

 

A: The Regional Innovative Broadband Support (RIBS) project is working with its chosen contractor  - BT Group - to analyse all the telephone lines and sites in Wales.

 

We have built up a good understanding of the number of not-spot areas and will be tackling the addressable not-spots over the course of the contract. The current contract will run for 3 years, with an option to extend for a further 2 years.

 

We have worked with BT and together we have produced a map showing all the current registrations on the brokerage website.

 

It is possible that there may be a large number of not-spots, which may mean that some areas will not receive broadband for some considerable time. However, there are other ways of getting a broadband service either via a wireless or satellite network.

 

Finally, there may be some very remote areas that are too expensive to provide a broadband service. The amont of time and money that is available to the Welsh Assembly is limited and there may be some areas that will not benefit from this project.

 

"Still can't get Broadband?"

 

If you already know you are in a not-spot area, you can assist us by registering your details on our website: www.bbwo.org.uk/blackspots

 

In addition, you may want to ask your neighbours to see if they are facing the same not-spot issues, and get them to register their details onto the brokerage site - the more registrations that are collected in one area, the better the business case and justification for doing the work.

 

We have access to lots of leaflets, posters, CDs etc which are freely available for people to spread the word and increase awareness and demand in their area. Please e-mail broadband@wales.gsi.gov.uk if you would like us to send you some material.

 

The new DSL Max technology is capable of increasing the length that broadband can travel by up to 1km further in some instances. If you have been told by an engineer that the length of your line makes broadband just out of reach, it may be worth trying to re-order broadband. Specifically ask for the DSL Max broadband as this may now enable you to get broadband with the newer technologies.

 

If you have success in getting broadband through whatever means, it will be very useful for us if you could let us know so that we can move on to other not-spots and continue to assist other areas of Wales. Otherwise we may waste time in looking for solutions to not-spots which have already been solved.