Contact newsdesk on:  info@hebridesnews.co.uk

Classified adverts   I   Jobs                               

 Local Services     

 

Hebrides News

 

 

Some 14 homes in the North Tolsta area of Lewis are still without phone or broadband coverage since disruptions in service in January.

 

The Heb Net service which was extended to take account of this disruption was due to be switched off last week.

 

It was hoped that BT would have resolved all the outstanding issues by now.

 

Councillor Donald Crichton has asked BT chief Brendan Dick to come to the islands and hear the concerns of customers.

 

Mr Critchton said there was also wider problems with the rollout of superfast broadband across the Broadbay area.

 

He suggests customers be reimbursed for the delay in restoring services in North Tolsta.

 

The councillor also seeks assurances that the financial support committed to the fibre optic broadband project is being made available to implement the service.

 

Cllr Crichton said some people are receiving a "worse service than they enjoyed before" with slower speeds. In some cases there are small pockets of areas unable to access the service all.

 

"This is unacceptable given the large amount of public money that has been committed to improving broadband in the islands," he added.

 

"It is now time to consider reimbursing customers for the disruption to the service and the inconvenience caused. People are paying for a service that they are not receiving."

 

The Loch a Tuath councillor continued: "On a wider issue, as local councillors for the Broadbay area my colleagues and me are receiving representations right across our ward on a regular basis regarding the roll out of superfast broadband. This rollout has not been seamless."

 

In a letter to BT, Mr Crichton queried: "What progress is being made with the installation of the fibre optic cabling?

 

"Can you assure me that you are working constructively with HIE and that the financial support is being made available to fully implement this service?"

 

Households left without broadband service

 

4 April 2016