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<p>No specific assessment has been made of the effect of Exchange Only (EO) lines
on businesses operating in the Cricklewood Broadway area.</p><p> </p><p>Upgrading
EO lines is more complicated (and more expensive) as there are greater engineering
challenges. For instance, because EO lines do not have the copper lines routed through
a copper cabinet, there is no aggregation point to which a fibre cabinet can be connected.
For these reasons it can take longer for EO lines to be upgraded. Openreach have confirmed
this, and have advised that they currently fall outside any commercial rollout. However,
they have said there is potential for EO lines to be brought into scope for upgrading
through their Community Fibre Partnerships.</p><p>For those that do not see improved
connectivity through publicly funded and commercial investment, we will ensure universal
broadband coverage of at least 10Mbps, so that no home or business is left behind</p><p>
</p><p>We are keen to ensure even better digital connectivity in the UK. We announced
a package of measures worth £1.1 billion at Autumn Statement 2016 to support this:<br></p><ul><li>The
Digital Infrastructure Investment Fund, which was launched on 3 July 2017 will provide
finance for new fibre investments.</li><li>The Local Full Fibre Networks programme,
which will support local bodies in stimulating the market for fibre connectivity in
their areas.</li><li>A Bill to enable business rates relief for new fibre build.</li></ul><p>Together,
these investments and incentives will stimulate the market to deliver the increase
in capacity that is needed.</p>
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