Question 1
We’re up near Clayhithe bridge. Is that too far away?
Answer 1
We have done some research and it looks like it is possible to connect Clayhithe. So do sign up so that your postcode and address are on the list. This map is for Clayhithe. The only buildings that do not qualify are the barns just off the main road. All the orange dots qualify for the scheme and are marked by a red check mark.
Question 2
I find this somewhat confusing as we were according to Connecting Cambridge 3 years ago receiving FFTP! The fibre wires have been in place along the telephone poles & infact coiled up outside our properties for 3 years and we were told not to renew any broadband contracts. We are just out of the village along Clayhithe rd and now been told that an amendment has been made and the last 5 properties are excluded!
Answer 2
Connecting Cambridgeshire (and Openreach) connected FTTC. This means that we currently have Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) in the village. From the cabinet to the home is still copper wiring. FTTC is also known as Superfast Broadband. We are now looking at connecting Horningsea to FTTH (Fibre to the Home). This is also known as Ultrafast Broadband.
Question 3
Would this service obviate BT Broadband or similar, or would fibre be an additional cost?
Answer 3
Cambridge Fibre Ultrafast (Full Fibre) Broadband does not “remove” Openreach’s service. But instead, it runs alongside it.
Question 4
Does Ultrafast Broadband offer a landline?
Answer 4
There is a way to get a landline over Fibre but you would have to take up a VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) telephone number. It is what mobile phone provide by using your WiFi to make telephone calls.
There is also the option to have a VoIP desk phone and associates number. It is however unlikely that you would retain your current landline number.
VoIP is explained here:https://www.broadbandchoices.co.uk/guides/internet/internet-phone-voip-offers
The old landlines will increasingly be displaced by VoIP. Especially because the internet takes over legacy services (like TV and telephone).
So yes, your options are:
- Keep the BT landline and have internet on full Fibre
- Only have the full Fibre, add a VoIP number and connect mobile phones over WiFi.
- Stay with BT for both internet and telephone.
It is entirely dependent on you situation and of course the Fibre option should be available to you at a later time.
Question 5
What is the difference between FTTC and FTTP?
Answer 5
Just in case those terms are unclear – FTTP = Fibre to the Premises (i.e. direct to your house!). FTTC = Fibre to the Cabinet, then copper, aluminium or tin cans and a bit of string to the house.
FTTP is significantly faster and more reliable. Optical fibre can transfer more data per second than copper wires. Fibre also does not transfer electrical signals and can therefore not short out when brought into contact with water. Something that has been a problem in some places in Horningsea. Furthermore, fibre does not oxidise. So it does not deteriorate overtime. Because FTTP eliminates the copper entirely, the connection to the internet remains reliable over it’s lifetime.
FTTC is also known as “Superfast Fibre” and FTTP is also known as “Full Fibre”. More is explained here: https://www.cambridgefibre.uk/residential-full-fibre-broadband/
Question 6
Can I have a fixed internet IP address for my connection?
Answer 6
Yes, this option is available to both business and residential customers at £2.75 per month.
Question 7
The website mentions that a wireless router is included in the package. Does this mean that there is a modem and separate router as part of the installation or is the modem built into the router?
Answer 7
Cambridge Fibre provide, regarding the router, a “two box” solution, one for the fibre to the gigabit ethernet connection. The second box is a high specification broadband router with Wi-Fi. We use Linksys EA8300 router, and this runs with our own software for remote management.
Question 8
Which properties in Horningsea are eligible for the project?
Answer 8
The properties indicated by an orange dot on the map below are eligible for a Full Fibre internet voucher.
Question 9
Where do I sign up?
Answer 9
You can sign up on Cambridge Fibre’s website. There is no obligation to purchase and no payment details will be taken at this time. Once the network is being installed, Cambridge Fibre will coordinate with you when you would like for your house to be connected.
Question 10
Can I use my own router and WiFi access point?
Answer 10
Yes, you can use any Gigabit router and access point that you would like. Keep in mind that your own router cannot be managed remotely by Cambridge Fibre. You may not be able to use your current broadband router because it has a built in modem that is only suitable for a copper telephone line connection.
If you current router has an Ethernet Gigabit internet connection, you may be able to use your current router.
Question 11
Do I have to sign up with Cambridge Fibre?
Answer 11
Yes, to have fibre installed in Horningsea we are starting a project to connect the village with Cambridge Fibre (CF). You therefore have to sign up with CF.
Question 12
What is the speed?
Answer 12
Four packages are available. Ranging from 200 Mbits/sec to 935 Mbits/sec. With the current Horningsea Superfast broadband most residents get up to 50 Mbits/sec at most. It is more typical for people to get 35-40 Mbits/sec.
Learn about the packages here: https://www.cambridgefibre.uk/residential-full-fibre-broadband/
Question 13
What are the charges?
Answer 13
Packages start from £29 per month. Have a look at the CF website to learn more about packages: https://www.cambridgefibre.uk/residential-full-fibre-broadband/
Question 14
What is the contract length?
Answer 14
The contract length is either 12 or 24 months. More information about packages here: https://www.cambridgefibre.uk/residential-full-fibre-broadband/
Question 15
My current contract runs for another 7 months. Do I have to run two contracts at the same time?
Answer 15
No, you do not have to run two contracts at the same time. Cambridge Fibre can start the new service when your current contract runs out. Technically it is of course possible to run the two contracts side-by-side but, you would incur the extra cost.
Question 16
Am I able to change providers (ISP) after my initial (12 or 24 month) contract with Cambridge Fibre has ended? This is currently possible with Openreach/BT.
Answer 16
Yes, a customer will be allowed to switch to another provider. Cambridge Fibre are currently looking for other providers to join their open access network, by the time people’s contract run out, this will also be a choice.
Question 17
What can be done with regards to losing the landline? Is there an alternative for a home telephone with Cambridge Fibre? It’s not really cost effective to keep the landline with BT and also have the CF connection. Also, landlines are set to decommission in 2025.
Answer 17
Cambridge Fibre are planning on offering their own landline service (Voice over Internet Provider.) The customers that need this will be able to keep their landline number, which is great news.
Question 18
When I go to sign up, the site puts my chosen package in the shopping basket. Does this mean I have to pay now? Do I have to give payment details?
Answer 18
To sign up you will need to order your package from the shopping basket but you will not be asked for payment details and you do not have to pay to sign up.
Question 19
Please can you explain the condition on Gov.uk for business voucher that says “agree to pay VAT charges related to new GBVS connection”
Answer 19
(Answer by Cambridge Fibre)
If you run a business from a residential address, and you are not registered for VAT, we guarantee to pay the VAT for you. This is a company policy.
We recognise that the VAT would be a disincentive for qualifying home-businesses, which is why we brought in this policy. DCMS have a policy that the voucher itself cannot pay the VAT, which is the text you are referring to.
For businesses that are VAT registered, or businesses at non-residential addresses, we do invoice for the VAT only.