16 December 2024

The network project, which has also connected the local village halls with free connections and public WiFi, was part-funded by BDUK’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS).

Alncom has also been able to do even more than this for the local communities as part of the ‘World Wide Web from a Wood and Classroom Without Walls’ programme. The company has donated time to teaching school children in Northumberland new skills through the Clarty Commandos, a Forest School that was set up in the grounds of Howick Estate near Alnwick, where children of all ages can experience learning in a unique environment, with a focus on practical rather than academic activities.

Alncom were approached by founder Mark Tuff to devise some training, so the students could learn some of the skills required to deploy fibre broadband. The provider felt that it was also a great opportunity to actually build a fibre network into the wood where the Forest School is based and used the opportunity for the Duchess High School students to build it themselves.

Students from Alnwick’s Duchess Community High School Development Group 2 were given an overview of network design and from this they were able to carry out a site survey, design the network and create ‘job packs.’ Under close supervision, the students physically built 250m of fibre network, connecting the Forest School to Alncom’s core network, using a mole plough and by hand. They installed duct, built a chamber, spliced joints then set-up WiFi to the site.

“Team building, life-long skills and valuable experience for the students was a priority and we are delighted to say that all the students were outstanding and loved the outside school,” said Lawrie Stevenson, Director of Alncom.

“Alncom are amazing, they’ve helped us several times as well as this fantastic project. They helped after Storm Arwen, a devastating fire and we’ve never had to ask for help, they’re just there. They know what’s going on and they know how to help,” said Mark Tuff, Founder of Clarty Commandos.

“As a company we are keen on helping the community and we like to help in anyway we can. A special well done to Lawrie who has excelled in this very special classroom without walls,” said Managing Director of Alncom, Stephen Pinchen.