Fibrecity slams utility over failed broadband sewer deal

 

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By Stewart Mitchell

Posted on 13 Aug 2010 at 12:07

The company behind the Fibrecity Bournemouth project has reacted furiously to news that Wessex Water has pulled the plug on plans to run broadband-carrying fibre through Bournemouth's sewers.

Wessex Water said yesterday that it was pulling out of the deal to allow Fibrecity access to the underground network, citing contractual and methodology problems, although the authority is now issuing a “no comment” statement on the situation.

However, the parent company of Fibrecity – the i3 Group – has launched a scathing attack on the the water company, accusing it of commercial greed and issuing misleading statements concerning i3's technology.

Wessex Water has been short sighted in putting commercial demands above the opportunity to provide a low-cost fibre optic network

"It is our opinion that Wessex Water has been short sighted in putting commercial demands above the opportunity to provide a low-cost fibre optic network that will deliver superfast broadband to their own customers,” said Elfed Thomas, CEO of i3 Group, in a statement sent to PC Pro.

Wessex Water also questioned the “technical methodologies” of placing fibre pipes in the sewers, with some observers citing concerns that they could cause blockages, but Thomas dismissed these worries and placed the blame for the demise of the scheme on Wessex Water's negotiating intransigence.

“Citing technical issues as a reason is misleading in respect to the viability of the i3 Group's FS System of laying fibre in ready made ducts including sewer pipes,” he said. “When we announced Fibrecity Bournemouth, it was with the permission of Wessex Water to utilise the pipes where appropriate, therefore keeping disruption to residents and businesses to a minimum.

"During the rollout, contractual issues have meant that we have had to find alternative means to deliver Fibrecity Bournemouth. It is disappointing that Wessex Water's approach to this matter has been responsible for any delays of the network roll-out to date.”

The company is still offering Bournemouth residents access to fibre, but it will now mostly be delivered using cables laid just below street level.

No problems with other utilities

The i3 Group also told PC Pro that it had experienced no problems working with other water authorities and that it planned to expand its use of sewers in Scotland. Water companies, said Thomas, benefit from allowing broadband into their ducts because it generates revenue and also helps with the management and repair of pipes.

Scottish Water said plans for using the technology were continuing apace following successful trials North of the border.

“Progress has seen us move away from the proof-of-concept phase and to active commercial deployment of the technology,” said a spokesperson for Scottish Water. “Using the sewers, micro-trenching and other innovative techniques means minimal disruption to roads and the network and the approach also creates another revenue stream for Scottish Water.”

Wessex Water declined to comment other than to say: "There are issues concerning commercial confidentiality between Wessex Water and i3, therefore we are not prepared to comment at this stage."

This assertion came as a shock to i3, which first heard about the breakdown in communication through media sources.