We have selected B4RN as they are the only provider who will commit to connecting every property in the parish.
You can learn more about them by visiting their website at https://b4rn.org.uk/ It’s very easy to negotiate and provides a wealth of information.
In more normal times it would be natural to communicate with you through public meetings but clearly that is not an option at the moment.
In the meantime, therefore, we will keep you up to date through:
- 1. Facebook, both on the Kirkoswald and Renwick sites where we can operate question and answer sessions
- 2. Monthly updates in The Raven
- 3. The parish website (www.kirkoswaldparishcouncil.co.uk).
What progress are we making?
B4RN require us to establish all the necessary wayleaves through the parish for the cables and we have commenced this activity. This takes time, but to date, we have had positive responses from the farmers and landowners that we have contacted so far.
We are grateful to Brian and Les Armstrong, Andrew Fox and Randal Raine for helping us with the engagement process.
Next steps for you as residents
The B4RN website is now open for you to complete your Gigabit Voucher Request Form. It is an easy process to follow. We would encourage you to do so as soon as possible as B4RN need a clear indication of the overall support from residents across the Parish.
On the website at https://b4rn.org.uk/
1. Select “Get B4RN”
2. Enter your postcode
3. Complete the gigabit form.
You will receive an email immediately from them with your unique reference number.
If you are not confident enough to sign up with B4RN you can get help from a relative or a friend but it must be someone you trust. There is a commitment to both the connection charge and a one year contract for broadband but that is not binding and can be cancelled at any time prior to connection.
Some questions answered
B4RN seem to charge the least on a monthly basis, £30, for an amazing 1000MBPS symmetrical connection.
You may not need it now but in the future who knows. This solution will future proof our whole parish. There is a charge for connection of £150.
Some people are concerned about getting it to their houses. We have been told not to worry about this as B4RN have shown themselves to be resourceful in areas where they have already installed fibre.
Some people have expressed concern about the trench across their garden.
They are not large and if you want you can do it yourself if you are able.
In that case you will be given £150 by B4RN for doing this. You can also take out shares to help strengthen our project. Look at their website for details.
We urge everyone to take advantage of this opportunity for your own sake and for the sake of our whole community.
