HUNDREDS of houses on Harwood Park have been ‘left back in history’ due to residents experiencing ‘worsening’ broadband for the past five years.
Residents argue the poor connection links back to when the estate was built, with broadband cables being installed too close to ground level and consisting of aluminium wires, which degrades quicker.
Johnathan Coleman, who works from home as a Database Administrator, relies solely on the internet for his job.
He said: “When we are having problems, it can be embarrassing to say to customers and businesses who have booked out a whole day with me that I cannot do the work.”
Johnathan said that this shouldn’t be something he has to say in today’s modern age and added: “It’s like being left back in history.”
Another resident, Simon Meddings, said his 13-year-old daughter Isla, struggles to complete her homework and submit it on time due to the slow service and, as a result, risks receiving detentions.
The residents on the estate claimed that they were on the OpenReach build list to install Full Fibre Broadband, and surrounding estates have been upgraded, however, Openreach cannot confirm this.
The estate, as it stands, has tried multiple methods to improve its situation, such as applying for the Openreach Fibre Community Partnership – a scheme to help the area reach Full Fibre Broadband – yet, not enough was raised to help Harwood Park over the threshold.
Openreach has urged that despite there being no current plans to build Full Fiber Broadband, situations can change on varied factors.
A spokesperson for Openreach said: “Openreach has made full fibre available to more than 70,000 homes and businesses across Worcestershire, and our build continues.
“We’re adding new places to our build on a regular basis, and these are announced on openreach.com.
“Our full fibre build has not yet reached this area, but residents can register their interest on our website to receive the latest updates.
“Anybody experiencing issues with their current broadband connection should contact their service provider (the company they pay or phone/broadband) in the first instance.”
The estate is now looking at alternative options to improve its ongoing situation.
