BBW Progress Review Q2: April - June 2005
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This is the second BBW Programme Progress Review since the
launch of the Broadband Wales Programme strategy for 2005 –
2007.
This document aims to provide a succinct review of the
progress being made towards each of the seventeen strategic
targets. Where possible, progress is measured against previously
agreed 'benchmarks'.
For ease of reference, the table overleaf summarises the key
milestones against which the success of the programme is measured.
The status column indicates the degree to which the programme is
progressing towards achieving each target.
At the end of the second quarter of 2005, the programme is
within agreed 'tolerances' and most of the projects are on schedule
to achieve the targets within the published deadlines. Where there
are early warning signs of some slippage against the key milestones
(see page 6), note has been made within the body of this
report.
Overview
Between April and June 2005, additional resources were
recruited to support the fledgling Programme Management Office
(PMO); with the aim of ensuring that the programme is managed to
the standards outlined by the Office of Government and Commerce
(OGC) in Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) and compliant with
Prince2 project management principles.
Within the same timeframe, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
for the Broadband Wales Programme (BBW) was appointed; with
responsibility for the provision of technical support and advice to
BBW Programme and Project Managers plus development of the
technical specification for project solution design, implementation
and acceptance testing.
The findings of the BBW PMO 'Health check', undertaken by the
Welsh Assembly Government's Merlin team, were presented to the BBW
Programme Manager for review and action. The findings of the
strategic assessment of the programme (Gateway 0 Review),
undertaken by OGC appointed auditors, are not yet known.
At the end of the period, it was announced that the senior
responsible officer (SRO) for the Broadband Wales Programme is to
take on the lead role - from September 2005 - in establishing a new
Welsh Assembly Government division (eWales).
|
Target
|
By the end of 2005 the Broadband Wales
Programme will:
|
RAG Status
(Q2 2005)
|
|
1
|
Ensure that take-up of first generation
broadband in Wales is at least equal to the UK average
|
Green
|
|
2
|
Ensure that everyone in Wales has access to
information that allows them to make a decision on what broadband
could mean for them
|
Green
|
|
3
|
Award a contract to allow homes, businesses and
voluntary sector sites in Wales to have access to first generation
broadband infrastructure
|
Green
|
|
4
|
Issue at least a thousand Business Support
Scheme Grants to SMEs and voluntary sector organisations in
Wales
|
Green
|
|
5
|
Create a fund to support the provision of
broadband to public sector sites in Wales
|
Amber
|
|
6
|
Develop an agreed Welsh policy for the
aggregation of public sector demand for broadband
infrastructure
|
Green
|
|
7
|
Demonstrate to the telecommunications industry
the level of demand for second generation broadband infrastructure
that exists in Wales
|
Amber
|
|
Ref.
|
During 2006 the Broadband Wales
Programme will:
|
RAG Status
(Q2 2005)
|
|
8
|
Fund two Advisers in each Local Authority in
Wales to help implement local broadband strategies (until March
2006)
|
Green
|
|
9
|
Fund a resilient broadband network linking all
22 Local Authorities in Wales, supporting mission critical and
value added applications (until July 2006)
|
Green
|
|
10
|
Announce and implement the agreed policy in
respect of the aggregation of public sector demand for broadband
infrastructure
|
Green
|
|
11
|
Ensure that take-up of first generation
broadband in Wales is at least equal to the UK average
|
Green
|
|
Ref.
|
By March 2007 the Broadband Wales
Programme will:
|
RAG Status
(Q2 2005)
|
|
12
|
Aim to support at least 50 local projects
throughout Wales
|
Green
|
|
13
|
Ensure the availability of second generation
broadband infrastructure to at least 50% of the Welsh business
population
|
Green
|
|
14
|
Aim to secure the provision of fibre speed
broadband connectivity at pre-identified business parks / locations
at affordable prices
|
Green
|
|
15
|
Aim to ensure that Wales has extensive
geographic access to competitive wholesale infrastructure
|
Green
|
|
16
|
Implement an agreed strategy in relation to the
provision of a direct connection from Wales to the global core
internet
|
Green
|
|
17
|
Increase international awareness of the
Broadband Wales Programme benefits to help enhance Wales'
reputation as a place for businesses to locate and grow
|
Green
|
The Broadband Wales Observatory (BBWO) reviewed progress made
during the second quarter in relation to each of these 17 strategic
targets - as published in the Broadband Wales Programme Strategy
for 2005 – 2007. The key findings of this review are outlined
overleaf.
Strategic Target 1
"Ensure that take-up of first generation broadband in
Wales is at least equal to the UK average"
At the end of the second quarter of 2005, broadband
penetration levels in Wales continue to be lower that the UK
average.
The latest market survey of broadband penetration in the UK
was commissioned by Ofcom. The findings were published in May
2005
[1].
|
Country Market
|
Penetration of Internet
(All Adults)
|
Penetration of Broadband
(All Adults)
|
|
|
|
|
|
England
|
56%
|
22%
|
|
UK
|
56%
|
21%
|
|
Wales
|
50%
|
19%
|
|
Scotland
|
53%
|
19%
|
|
Northern Ireland
|
55%
|
17%
|
The findings (as shown above) reveal that internet take-up in
Wales (50%) was significantly lower than the UK average (56%).
Ofcom suggests that this may be due to the larger proportion of
older age groups and lower income households. With lower than
average internet usage, it is not surprising that the proportion of
adults with a broadband subscription in Wales (19%) was lower than
the UK (21%).
In June 2005
[2], the total number of broadband connections in
the UK was 8.1 million; with DSL accounting for 70%
[3] and cable accounting
for 28%
[4]. In Wales, BT Wholesale
[5] confirmed that on the
1
st June 2005 take-up of ADSL in Wales (19.8%) was lower
than the UK average (21.1%).
For BBW Strategic Target 1 to be achieved by the end of
December 2005, the Observatory recommends that the BBW Unit:
a) Identify, through research, the unique characteristics of
the market that have led to lower than average take-up of the
internet and broadband in Wales
b) Confirm the 'demand stimulation' measures undertaken to
address the underlying issues identified
c) Measure, on a quarterly basis, broadband and internet
penetration levels in the UK and in Wales
Programme Status: RAG = Green
Due to the paucity of market and / or survey data available
for Wales compared with the UK, it is impossible to predict the
degree to which BBW is on target to achieve and maintain
penetration levels equal to that achieved across the UK. As such,
the Observatory recommends that a recovery plan be developed and
implemented.
Target Deadline Date: December 2005
Strategic Target 2
"Ensure that everyone in Wales has access to information
which allows them to make a decision on what broadband could mean
for them"
Progress Review
During the second quarter of 2005, the Broadband Wales Unit
implemented an integrated PR and Marketing programme. The
activities undertaken included:
- Media relations (distribution of press releases) in support of
individual BBW Projects.
- Advertising - in local and national press, local radio, street
(48 sheet posters) and train station billboards and buses -
designed to raise awareness of broadband and of the Welsh Assembly
Government's Broadband Wales Programme.
- Banner advertising - placed on third party websites; including
MSN, Hotmail, Google plus those of Local Authorities, ASPBs and
other BBW partners - designed to encourage potential first
generation broadband users to register their requirements via the
Broadband Brokerage Scheme.
- Mail-shot - 10,000 households located within reach of the 35
commercially unviable telephone exchange areas in Wales - designed
to encourage potential first generation broadband users to register
their requirements via the Broadband Brokerage Scheme.
- BBW 'Get Smart: Get Broadband' road-show - supported local and
regional events including the LBV community events in Swansea and
Newport shopping centres plus the 'Party in the Park' (Swansea) –
enabled visitors to see broadband demonstrations and to find out,
from the Broadband Wales Taskforce, the benefits to be gained.
- Broadband technology booklets, produced in Q1, were circulated
to Assembly Members plus Welsh MEPs; made available to 200 offices
across Europe in PDF format; and distributed - via the Broadband
Wales Taskforce - to other target groups. The booklets are designed
to inform readers of the features, advantages and benefits of
differing broadband technologies.
- BBW 'Try Before You Buy Scheme', available at ICT Centres
located in each of the Local Authority areas, demonstrated to
businesses (SMEs) the pros and cons of differing broadband
technologies - for specific application needs - prior to the
purchase decision being taken.
The success of the BBW direct marketing campaign was measured
in terms of the number of people that registered with the Broadband
Brokerage Scheme
[6]www.bbwo.org.uk. A 2% response was
achieved from residents who live within the niche geographical area
targeted.
Other PR and marketing activities were measured by the BBW
Unit in terms of the number of 'visits' and 'hits' on the websites.
Data captured on a monthly basis, since January 2005, is shown
overleaf (average of 3340 unique visitors per month – direct and
indirect - across all websites).
At the end of June 2005, the programme reported the total
number of website hits and visits as 367,000 and 32,676
respectively. Whilst the figures are impressive, without pre-agreed
targets and clearly defined definitions of terminology to be used,
it is not apparent how meaningful this data is in measuring
progress against the published BBW Strategic Targets.
Unique Visitors Per
Month[7]
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jan
|
Feb
|
March
|
April
|
May
|
June
|
|
Indirect visits (click through)
|
1142
|
322
|
902
|
999
|
485
|
TBC
|
|
|
695
|
384
|
1206
|
1077
|
646
|
TBC
|
|
|
1377
|
1026
|
1213
|
1164
|
1147
|
TBC
|
|
|
175
|
413
|
486
|
1091
|
750
|
3062
|
|
Total
|
3389
|
2145
|
3807
|
4331
|
3028
|
TBC
|
Table 1 - Figures show the total
number of visits across the Welsh and English language
sites
The Observatory notes that the measures and metrics currently
in place, plus the current reporting format adopted by the BBW
Unit, do not allow the Observatory to track progress against the
2005 marketing plan and, as a result, it is not possible to state
that campaign objectives and desired outcomes have been achieved or
the degree to which activities undertaken have contributed to the
achievement of BBW Strategic Target 2.
For BBW Strategic Target 2 to be achieved by the end of
December 2005, the Observatory recommends that the BBW Unit
provides further evidence of:
a) Wales-wide activities targeted at key groups i.e.
activities designed to educate and inform all potential users -
from across all socio-demographic groups, business sectors /
employee bands and public sector organisations - of the benefits of
subscribing to broadband
b) Measured outcomes (e.g. audit changes in behaviour via
research and evaluation programme) that demonstrate the degree to
which activities have contributed towards achieving this
target
Programme Status: RAG = Green
Due to the paucity of evidence available (based on published
metrics and measures), it is impossible to state that Wales is on
target to ensure that everyone in Wales will have had access to
information during the period that could allow them to make a
decision on what broadband could mean for them.
Target Deadline Date: December 2005
Strategic Target 3
"Award a contract to allow homes, businesses and voluntary
sector sites in Wales to have access to first generation broadband
infrastructure"
Progress Review
The Regional Innovative Broadband Support (RIBS) project aims
to improve the competitiveness of disadvantaged regions through the
increased availability of first generation broadband.
The project board meets regularly to review progress against
the project and stage plans. The project risks identified have been
managed successfully. Activities undertaken were within programme
and project tolerance levels.
The key milestones achieved included:
- The European Commission (EC) confirmed that the response to
'State Aid Notification' questions had been received before the end
of the first quarter and subsequent questions were answered within
1 day of receipt.
- The Prior Information Notice (PIN) was issued (OJEU and
buy4wales.co.uk) in April 2005 to inform the market of the project
and allow potential bidders time to research potential
solutions.
- Requests for further information (based on PIN) were received
from 39 organisations (before the 6th May 2005
deadline).
- Pre-qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) plus Statement of
Requirements and Invitation to Negotiate documents were prepared
and approved.
- OJEU advert placed on 13th June 2005. This initiated
the procurement process for the project.
- Promoted the availability of the Broadband Brokerage Scheme to
the 10,000 households located in the 35 commercially 'unviable'
exchange areas across Wales via a direct marketing 'mail shot' at
the end of June 2005[8].
- Identified potential 'broadband black-spots' outside 'unviable'
exchanges areas.
- Press releases were distributed to the media – including
information about the PIN; the announcement that EC had approved
the project on 1st June 2005 and advert place in OJEU on
13th June 2005.
- Positive and extensive coverage about the RIBS project was
generated in the press.
The Observatory notes that the BBW Programme is on schedule to
achieve BBW Strategic Target 3. The next major milestone – to
confirm the short list of bidders invited to respond to the
Invitation to Tender (ITT) - is due to be achieved in the third
quarter (Q3).
Programme Status: RAG = Green
The project is on schedule to award a contract for the supply
of broadband to identified 'black-spot areas' across Wales.
Target Deadline Date: December 2005
Strategic Target 4
"Issue at least a thousand Business Support Scheme Grants
to SMEs and voluntary sector organisations in Wales"
Progress Review
By the end of June 2005, the Welsh Development Agency (WDA)
had received 986 applications from businesses and voluntary sector
organisations across Wales who required support in accessing
broadband.
Of the total, 736 applications were approved under the
extended and enhanced BBW Business Broadband Support
Scheme.
|
Technology (Solution)
|
Applications Received
|
Applications Approved
|
|
Cable
|
8
|
5
|
|
Leased line
|
30
|
20
|
|
Satellite
|
42
|
34
|
|
Wireless
|
65
|
51
|
|
ADSL
|
840
|
624
|
|
Other
|
13
|
2
|
|
TOTAL
|
986
|
736
|
|
Economic Fora Region
|
Applications Received
|
Applications Approved
|
|
|
88
|
67
|
|
North Wales
|
354
|
261
|
|
South East Wales
|
346
|
266
|
|
West Wales
|
204
|
142
|
|
|
1
|
0
|
|
TOTAL
|
993
|
736
|
The majority of applications were for ADSL broadband
connectivity; with the smallest proportion of applications received
from the mid Wales economic region.
The project is ahead of schedule and is expected to exceed the
number of grants required to achieve BBW Strategic Target 4.
Programme Status: RAG = Green
Target Deadline Date: December 2005
Strategic Target 5
"Create a fund to support the provision of broadband to
public sector sites in Wales"
Progress Review
The BBW Unit had to withdraw the ERDF application to support
the Connectivity Grant Support Scheme (CoGS), in March 2005, due to
State Aid and notification issues.
During the second quarter of 2005, the BBW Unit have worked
closely with the DTI, lawyers and other experts to ensure that
developments elsewhere in the UK are taken into account during the
detailed work undertaken to prepare the CoGS scheme for
notification to the European Commission (EC). The aim is to reduce
the timescales that will be required to successfully complete the
notification process.
The EC has yet to announce a decision in relation to a similar
project notified by the Scottish Executive. However, it is
anticipated that the Commission will conclude that the project in
Scotland does not constitute State Aid. This would have a positive
influence on the direction to be taken by the Welsh Assembly
Government in relation to CoGS and the achievement of BBW Strategic
Target 5.
Programme Status: RAG = Amber
State Aid and notification issues will need to be resolved
before the scheme can run.
Target Deadline Date: December 2005
Strategic Target 6
"Develop an agreed Welsh policy for the aggregation of
public sector demand for broadband infrastructure"
Progress Review
The Public Sector Broadband Aggregation (PSBA) project aims to
achieve 'best value' high-bandwidth connectivity and related
services through aggregation of demand across the public sector in
Wales.
The project board, established in 2004, meets regularly to
review progress. Policy and technical working groups have recently
been established to ensure that stakeholder requirements and
end-user needs are taken into account throughout the policy
development stages.
Key milestones achieved during the current review period
include:
- Stakeholders engaged and cross-sector working groups
established
- Cornwell Consultants contracted (end June) to help stakeholders
determine current needs and future requirements to be incorporated
in the PSBA business case
- Technical options paper circulated and reviewed regularly to
ensure the project addresses on-going requirements
- Public sector network owners (including health and education)
re-aligned key procurement dates to support potential PSBA
outputs
The Observatory notes that the BBW Programme is on schedule to
achieve BBW Strategic Target 6.
Programme Status: RAG = Green
Target Deadline Date: December 2005
Strategic Target 7
"Demonstrate to the telecommunications industry the level
of demand for second generation broadband infrastructure that
exists in Wales"
Progress Review
The Broadband Brokerage Scheme (
www.bbwo.org.uk) was 'soft launched'
via a press release in March 2005. The aim of the Scheme is to
gather evidence of 'un-served' demand for first and second
generation broadband across Wales.
During the current review period, the Scheme has been promoted
via the placement of 'Letters to Editors', articles and online
banner adverts. In addition, a 'mail shot' was distributed to
households in known 'black-spots' at the end of June 2005; with the
aim of encouraging potential broadband users to register their
demand for first generation broadband at home (see BBW Strategic
Target 3).
Consequently, the majority of registrations are from Local
Authority areas with the highest number of commercially unviable
exchanges (Powys, Gwynedd and Pembrokeshire) and from potential
residential broadband users who require between 512kbps and 2Mbps
broadband (first generation broadband).
|
Broadband Required
|
Residential
|
Business (Home)
|
Business
|
Voluntary
|
Total
(June 05)
|
|
Don't Know
|
6%
|
2%
|
0%
|
0%
|
8%
|
|
1st Generation Response
|
56%
|
9%
|
6%
|
2%
|
73%
|
|
2nd Generation Response
|
11%
|
4%
|
2%
|
0%
|
17%
|
|
|
73%
|
15%
|
8%
|
2%
|
100%
|
The level of promotional activity undertaken Wales-wide
(business and consumer campaigns) has proved insufficient to
achieve the targeted number of fully completed registration
forms
[10] from potential broadband users who require
more than a 2Mbps connection. This issue has been compounded by the
intermittent technical problems experienced with the Broadband
Wales Observatory website. Almost half of those people who
responded to the 'first generation mail shot' failed to register
their details on first attempt and, whilst encouraged to 'try
again', many have chosen not to.
For BBW Strategic Target 7 to be achieved, it is essential
that:
a) Observatory implements a solution to address the technical
problems with the website
b) BBW Unit 'up-weights' the marketing campaign to encourage
target groups (all consumers, businesses and voluntary
organisations) to register their demand for >2Mbps
connectivity
It is noted that the initial findings of the Broadband
Brokerage Scheme - due to be published Q4 - may be overshadowed by
market developments.
[11]
Programme Status: RAG = Amber
Target Deadline Date: December 2005
Strategic Target 8
"Fund two Advisers in each Local Authority in Wales to
help implement local broadband strategies"
Progress Review
The Broadband Wales Unit has continued to work in partnership
with the 22 Local Authorities (LAs) in Wales to ensure that there
are resources available locally to facilitate realisation of the
benefits of broadband.
Feedback on the work undertaken within each of the LAs was not
available during the current review period. Details of the local
broadband strategies and implementation plans will be included, if
possible, in the next progress report.
The Observatory notes that the BBW Programme is on schedule to
achieve BBW Strategic Target 8
Programme Status: RAG = Green
The advisers are in post and the funding stream has been
allocated through to March 2006.
Target Deadline Date: March 2006
Strategic Target 9
"Fund a resilient broadband network linking all 22 Local
Authorities in Wales, supporting mission critical and value added
applications"
Progress Review
The broadband network linking all 22 Local Authorities (LAs)
is already in use. The network is used to support the data
communications needs of each LA and carries all internet traffic on
behalf of the ISP (Internet Service Provider).
Further evidence is required to demonstrate the degree to
which the network is used to support mission-critical applications
as well as standard corporate traffic.
The Observatory notes that the BBW Programme is on schedule to
achieve BBW Strategic Target 8
Programme Status: RAG = Green
Target Deadline Date: July 2006
Strategic Target 10
"Announce and implement the agreed policy in respect of
the aggregation of public sector demand for broadband
infrastructure"
Progress Review
See BBW Strategic Target 6.
BBW Strategic Target 10 is integral to the PSBA project. Due
to the phased approach undertaken by the BBW Unit, there is no
progress to report during this review period.
Programme Status: RAG = Green
Target Deadline Date: December 2006
Strategic Target 11
"Ensure that take-up of first generation broadband in
Wales is at least equal to the UK average"
Progress Review
See remedial action plan recommended to help ensure that BBW
Strategic Target 1 is achieved.
In light of market developments, the Observatory recommends
that the programme considers amending BBW Strategic Target 11 to
include take-up of second generation broadband
Programme Status: RAG = Green
Target Deadline Date: December 2006
Strategic Target 12
"Aim to support at least 50 local projects throughout
Wales"
Progress Review
Due to current reporting formats, it is not possible to
identify projects that BBW have supported via the BBW Taskforce.
With a depleted number of Taskforce members, the Observatory has
recommended that detailed information is recorded on a day-to-day
basis (using a basic template format) both during and after
meetings with local and regional project managers.
During the current review period (by April 2005), Phase 2 of
RIBS - the BBW project that is intended to offer financial support
to local and regional projects across Wales – was due to be
notified to the European Commission (EC) as State Aid. Notified
projects typically require a period of between 4 -6 months to gain
approval.
It is understood that notification has been delayed pending
achievement of BBW Strategic Target 3 (Phase 1 of RIBS) – as the
funding stream can not be allocated until the full cost of
addressing the first generation broadband 'black-spots' in Wales is
confirmed.
Progress during the period centred on the preparation, review
and recommendation of the options to be considered by the project
board. There are on-going concerns over the nature, scope,
benefits and beneficiaries.
The current programme plan, prepared by the BBW Unit, suggests
that the project team will develop a business case to support the
development of the necessary grant scheme; confirm availability of
funding; create the framework and key criteria for success;
encourage appropriate bids from the local and regional broadband
champions and / or supplier consortiums; review and approve the
successful bids and ensure effective implementation of the
supported projects between January 2006 and March 2007.
The Observatory is concerned about the feasibility of
implementing Phase 2 of RIBS within the limited time-frame
available.
It is recommended that increased emphasis be placed on the
development and implementation of a recovery plan – based around
the activities of the Broadband Wales Taskforce – to ensure that
BBW Strategic Target 12 can be achieved.
Programme Status: RAG = Green
Target Deadline Date: March 2007
Strategic Target 13
"Ensure the availability of second generation broadband
infrastructure to at least 50% of the Welsh business
population"
Progress Review
There is currently no action plan within the BBW Programme to
achieve this target; with the BBW Unit anticipating that the target
will be achieved through the successful implementation of the fibre
speed project (see BBW Strategic Target 14).
By the end of the current review period, second generation
broadband infrastructure was available in the UK due to the
increased competition
[12] in the broadband market. Within Wales,
higher speed connectivity is available in the cable franchise areas
and within close proximity of 'unbundled' exchanges in Cardiff and
Wrexham.
As a result of such developments, the European Commission (EC)
has proposed, via the i2010 strategy, that 50% of all households
should be able to access at least 10Mbps by 2010.
Such a target will prove to be a challenge in semi urban and
rural areas where a significant proportion of all households and
businesses are located too far away from the local telephone
exchange to access such high-speed connectivity. Similarly, the
physical and technological challenges faced will be compounded in
low population density areas where investment in the delivery of
higher-speed services is commercially unattractive to local loop
un-bundlers (LLUBs).
In Wales, the challenges are expected to be significant, due
to the average length of the 'local loop' and the number of small
exchanges.
Wales may face a renewed threat of a 'digital divide' created
between those who are able to access 'second generation broadband'
- because they live and work within a cable franchise area and / or
live and work within close proximity of their local telephone
exchange - and those who can't.
The Observatory recommends that the programme plan is reviewed
to ensure that the potential threats (and opportunities) created by
on-going developments in the market are identified and, if
appropriate, that a recovery plan is developed and
implemented.
Programme Status: RAG = Green
Target Deadline Date: March 2007
Strategic Target 14
"Aim to secure the provision of fibre speed broadband
connectivity at pre-identified business parks and locations at
affordable prices"
Progress Review
The fibre speed project is designed to help overcome the
issues of distance, commerciality and lack of competitive wholesale
infrastructure.
The BBW project team has continued to work in collaboration
with WAG transport and WDA property teams to develop the project.
The bid for Objective 1 match funding was submitted in April and
the OGC compliant outline business case was submitted to WAG and
WDA Executive Management Team in May 2005.
Delays in the review and agreement of the business case,
funding and procurement methodology during June, coupled with
queries from the EC re State Aid (DG Competition notified via DTI
in February 2005), have created a negative impact on the project
plan timelines.
The Observatory estimates that there is still sufficient time
to recover lost time and achieve BBW Strategic Target 14 within the
deadline.
Programme Status: RAG = Amber
Target Deadline Date: March 2007
Strategic Target 15
"Aim to ensure Wales has extensive geographic access to
competitive wholesale infrastructure"
Progress Review
There is currently no action plan within the BBW Programme to
achieve this target; with the BBW Unit anticipating that the target
will be achieved through the successful implementation of the fibre
speed project (see BBW Strategic Target 14).
The Observatory estimates that there is still sufficient time
to recover lost time and achieve BBW Strategic Target 15 within the
deadline.
Programme Status: RAG = Green
Target Deadline Date: March 2007
Strategic Target 16
"Implement an agreed strategy in relation to the provision
of a direct connection from Wales to the global core
internet"
Progress Review
The BBW Unit continues to undertake research to ascertain
need; with a view to presenting an options paper plus business case
before the end of December 2005.
The Observatory notes that the BBW Programme is on schedule to
achieve BBW Strategic Target 16
Programme Status: RAG = Green
Due to the paucity of metrics, measures or general information
currently available, it is not possible to state what progress has
been made towards achieving this target.
Target Deadline Date: March 2007
Strategic Target 17
"Increase International awareness of the Broadband Wales
Programme benefits to help enhance Wales' reputation as a place for
businesses to locate and grow"
Progress Review
Based on a review of the BBW Programme plan, there is no
action plan specifically designed to achieve this target.
The Observatory notes that the BBW Programme is on schedule to
achieve BBW Strategic Target 17
Programme Status: RAG = Green
Due to the paucity of metrics, measures or general information
currently available, it is impossible to state what progress has
been made towards achieving this target.
Target Deadline Date: March 2007
Following the launch of the Broadband Wales Programme Strategy
2005-2007 in January, most projects are within tolerance and on
schedule to achieve the strategic targets within the published
timescales. The most urgent RAG status is amber and this means that
the overall status of the Programme is AMBER.
|
Target Status
|
Number at each Status
|
Target reference number
|
|
Green
|
15
|
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,
17
|
|
Amber
|
2
|
5, 7
|
|
Red
|
0
|
n/a
|
|
Total
|
17
|
|
Where there is limited evidence of progress made by project
managers and / or lack of focus on outcomes to be achieved, the
Observatory has endeavoured to make note within the body of the
report.
The Observatory recommends that programme and project managers
identify robust metrics against which their achievements can be
measured. In addition relevant recovery plans, including remedial
actions to be undertaken and by who, should be flagged and
implemented as and when required.
Progress made against each of the BBW strategic targets will
be monitored over the next review period and, where possible,
outcomes achieved will be included in the report.
Methodology
The regular review of progress against targets involves the
use of a series of key metrics which can be applied on a quarterly
basis to ensure consistency in progress monitoring. This is highly
dependent on the relevant information being made available to the
Broadband Wales Observatory. Key information is collated from the
Broadband Wales Programme highlight reports, which are made
available to the Broadband Wales Observatory on a regular (monthly)
basis.
In a number of instances mechanisms need to be established to
collect relevant data for review purposes. The Observatory
will highlight on-going requirements for research to capture data
that will assist with evaluation of outcomes achieved via the BBW
Programme.
Where available, information from third parties has been used
in order to provide supporting evidence and clarification on target
progress.
Summary of BBW Targets
(2002-2007)
|
Ref
|
Target
|
Status
|
Comment
|
|
1.
|
The availability of affordable terrestrial
broadband services in Wales will be increased by approximately 30%,
with 310,000 extra homes and 67,000 extra
business lines potentially being able to access
broadband
|
Achieved (Summer 04)
|
Updated to target 1
|
|
2.
|
Broadband will be widely available throughout
Wales at near DSL prices.
|
Achieved (Summer 04)
|
No longer measured
|
|
3.
|
50-100 local or regional initiatives will be
developed, harnessing the creativity of communities and businesses
to deliver broadband solutions optimally aligned with their
particular circumstances.
|
On target (March 07)
|
Updated to target 12
|
|
4.
|
Fibre and/or other broadband connectivity will
be available at relevant business parks/locations.
|
On target (March 07)
|
Updated to target 14
|
|
5.
|
Approximately 1200 additional public sector
sites will be broadband enabled.
|
Achieved (Summer 04)
|
No longer measured
|
|
6.
|
Cost orientated high-speed connectivity will be
made available between Wales and an international internet
hub.
|
Further research planned by BBW
|
Updated to target 16
|
|
7.
|
Increased awareness of broadband and its
benefits, which will stimulate creativity and entrepreneurship
across Wales.
|
On target (March 07)
|
Updated to target 2
|
|
8.
|
Increased international awareness of the
Broadband Wales Programme, which will enhance Wales' reputation as
a place for businesses to locate and grow.
|
On target (March 07)
|
Updated to target 17
|
The BBW Programme targets for 2002 – 2007 were reviewed during
2004 and, as a result, replaced by the 17 strategic targets
published in the BBW Programme Strategy document launched in
January 2005.
[1] Ofcom Communications Market Update (All Adults) May
2005
[2] UK Broadband Connections June 2005, Ofcom
[3] Of the 5.7 million DSL broadband connections in the
UK, BT Wholesale confirms that 4.4% (250,000 lines) were in
Wales
[4] NTL does not disclose market data for Wales
compared with the UK
[5] Market data June 2005, BT Wholesale
[6]
The Broadband Brokerage Scheme was launched in March 2005. Phase 1
of the marketing activity was initiated in June 2005. Due to
on-going negotiations with potential broadband providers, the
Observatory does not disclose the actual number of registrations
received.
[7] It is assumed that the data collated by BBW Unit
shows the number of unique visitors to each website on a monthly
basis and as such the monthly figures can not be aggregated or
rolled-up to provide a quarterly result. It is also assumed that
only 'direct visits' are attributable to BBW marketing activity
i.e. visitors are driven to the site as a result of the relevant
URL being promoted via PR and / or marketing.
[8] BBW Communications Plan for Broadband Brokerage
Scheme designed to achieve 5000 valid registrations via phased
campaign (March, Launch; May Phase 1; June Phase 2; July Phase
3).
[9] Figures do not always add-up due to the application
of 'random rounding' for improved disclosure control
[10] BBW Communications Plan for Broadband Brokerage
Scheme included a target of 2,500 registrations (across a
weighted business and consumer market) between April and June
2005
[11] In Q2, NTL offered 3Mbps cable broadband within
the South Wales Cable Franchise area – in the Valleys and along the
M4 corridor; Bulldog, a local loop unbundler (LLU), offered up to
8Mbps ADSL broadband in Cardiff and Wrexham; and BT Wholesale
confirmed that it will deliver 8Mbps UK-wide in November 2005.
Initially, the availability of second generation broadband will be
restricted to sites connected to the cable network and / or those
located close enough to the local telephone exchange. The proposed
roll-out of ADSL2+ broadband will help to extend the reach; yet
technological constraints dictate that broadband speeds will be
lower for potential users located furthest away from the
exchange.
[12] The significant reductions in the costs charged
by BT Wholesale have encouraged the entry of local loop unbundlers
(LLUBs) into urban areas of the UK. This competition is
complemented by dramatic developments in the technology, such that
BT Wholesale has announced the UK-wide roll-out of 8Mbps broadband
from November 2005 and the trial of 18Mbps broadband over
ADSL2+.