The reason for internet problems at Basingstoke

Despite the advertising by some ISPs claiming blistering broadband speeds, there are two factors which control the internet speed any property will receive. The first is clearly the internet package you sign up for. However, this is a maximum level that they might provide in an ideal situation.

What controls the real achievable speed and quality of the internet connection is actually based on the BT telephone exchange server that your internet connection runs through, and how many other connections share the connection. The most important factor in the quality of your connection, is the distance from the telephone exchange, and the type of line used for the connection.

Within Basingstoke, we all share one BT exchange, called "THBZ". This is located within the centre of Basingstoke (Bounty Road in the town centre). The map below shows the exchange server in relation to the rest of Basingstoke.

If you live in the green area, then you can expect a fairly reasonable internet connection (however, see the updates below). As you move further away, so the phone line signal has to be transmitted (through the phone lines) further to reach you, and so the signal strength and interference increases. By the time you reach the black line, you will be lucky to receive any internet connection.

The internet uses the same phone lines as normal voice calls. However, whilst we ignore the clicks, crackles and hiss that these long lines create when making a phone call, the internet needs a much cleaner signal. Each crackle or pop can cause data problems, and the internet connection to drop.

Looking at the map of Basingstoke, the biggest property build ups (Chineham, Hatch Warren, Beggerwood, etc) are on the borders of the phone exchange limits. Solutions are available including signal boosting at the exchange, adding new sub-exchanges in high population areas, or swapping outlying areas to other exchanges. However, despite meetings with the Basingstoke MP (Maria Miller) and our councilors, BT have so far provided no solutions. The reason for this is simple - MONEY!

Who Is to Blame?

Within this site, there are references to BT as being at fault. The reason for this is simple, they provide the telephone exchanges within the UK supplying the backbone for the phone and internet system. However, through a system called Local Loop Unbundling, other suppliers can also supply phone and internet services. The most common one of these is sky.

Local loop unbundling (LLU): The process where the incumbent operator makes its local network (the connection between the customer's premises and the local exchange) available to other companies. The customer is then able to choose another supplier other than the incumbent to provide service.

Whilst other suppliers can place their own equipment within the telephone exchanges, unless they run their cables out to your house or business, they are unable to use anything other than BTs exchanges and phone lines. Therefore, their hands are tied.

Things will get worse before they get better

In order to meet the growing need for affordable housing within Basingstoke, and to meets its targets under the Governments various Housing initiatives, Basingstoke and Dean has scheduled the creation of new housing projects within the borough. We have seen many new homes appearing around the town, from Crown Heights, through to the new Highfields development.

Whilst new affordable housing is always a good thing, clearly new houses need phone lines, which puts more strain on the single BT exchange, which in turn means a worse internet service over time. Therefore unless action is taken, the internet situation can only get worse.

[ top of the page ]