Issue - meetings

The Panel has requested a progress update on the implementation of the Digital BANES programme 2015-2020.  The report outlines progress in 2015/16 and planned actions for 2016/17. Presentation slides are attached.

Thys Van Tonder, Principle Enterprise Development Officer, gave a presentation to the Panel on ‘Digital BANES’ which covered the following:

·  Agenda

·  Drivers and objectives

·  Economic Growth

·  Data Traffic – smartphone

·  Map of BANES Broadband coverage

·  Future Proof

·  Bath progress

·  North East Somerset progress

·  Environment

·  Implementation Priorities

·  Smart City Framework

·  Key Success indicators

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

There was some discussion around the issues around broadband in the centre of Bath. The officer explained that it is about investment from the supplier.

Councillor Darey asked if data space can be rented out. The officer explained he is looking at this but there is limited scope due to state aid.

Councillor Appleyard asked how far we are in being able to supply the right bandwidth to businesses who want to move here. The officer explained that this is a difficult question to answer as the Council cannot invest in areas (dark areas on the map) where BT are delivering. It has to be done within State Aid rules.

Councillor Blackburn asked about a timeline on this as it is potentially keeping businesses out of Bath. The officer stated that BT say they are going to make further investments in the city.

Councillor Macrae asked for reassurance on the questions posed in the statement (item 6) from Chris Head. The officer stated that most of the points raised are regarding Devon and Somerset and most concerns raised are not being addressed.

It was RESOLVED that the Panel be updated on progress at a future meeting (possible that BT could be invited).