COUNCIL chiefs have said they might reconsider some terms of their 4G broadband deal if Virgin is committed to a fibre optic rollout in North Swindon.

Earlier this year it was announced a deal had been struck with UKB to provide superfast broadband to areas of the borough without the service through a 4G network at cost of £2 million, split between the government and council.

However, many residents in North Swindon believe this is not an adequate for the needs of the area and there were protests at plans to put the required masts near homes.

While there are no firm commitments from Virgin, it is also thought North Swindon could be part of the company’s £3 billion fibre optic rollout.

Planning applications for four of the masts were withdrawn by the council last week, prompting opposition councillors to call for a clarification on plans.

The Labour shadow lead for economic development, Coun Des Moffatt, said: “Prior to last week the administration has continuously said that they were going to ignore the concerns of local residents and roll out radio masts to deliver 4G Broadband across North Swindon.

“Last week we’ve had the cabinet member for housing say that the planning applications for radio masts across North Swindon has been withdrawn, effectively stopping the 4G rollout in North Swindon.

“Currently there is complete confusion over what the council’s plans are with regards to superfast broadband and that is why we need this clarity.”

Coun Mary Martin (Con, Shaw), the cabinet member for digital services, has said the plans will go ahead but there is scope for changes.

She said: “The plans are still going ahead on schedule. We withdrew the application for the masts following a number of concerns and are looking for new locations.

“While I understand there has been vocal opposition to the scheme in North Swindon there is still strong support among the silent majority, especially in the rural areas.

“I have spoken with Virgin but as of this point they have given no firm commitments. If they were to give us something in writing which set out timescales and level of coverage then possibly we could look at the terms of the contract.

“But this is not certain. We would want guarantees and even then, competition could be a good thing.”

Along with many of the North Swindon councillors, MP Justin Tomlinson has also met with Virgin.

He said: “I had a very positive meeting with Virgin last week and we hope to hear something in the next fortnight.

“This is an area which for them is attractive commercially which would mean superfast broadband for residents at no cost to the tax payer.

“We know that hundreds of people have signed Virgin’s Cable My Street and know this has strengthened our case a great deal so would urge people to continue doing so.”