Locheilnet’s plea to customers over excess broadband usage
Community broadband provider Locheilnet has put measures in place to maintain the vital service for many but has said this is not ‘business as usual’.
Locheilnet provides broadband services to many who have no other option such as those on the western side of Loch Linnhe, Glenfinnan and many other areas of Lochaber.
Its engineers will still be able to work on anything that requires attention as telecommunications staff have been deemed as Category 2 key workers by government guidance.
Jackie Wright, chairwoman of Locheilnet, said: ‘As an internet provider, our staff and volunteers are key workers which means that, in this lockdown situation, they will be able to attend breakdowns and installations. Our team have Locheilnet ID and are recognisable by their cheery smiles.
‘We would simply ask customers to be sensible in their use of data – it is not unlimited!’
In a message to customers, they recognised how important having an internet connection now is, but will now require further information if a call out is requested. The need for a visit will be established by some questions; any time spent in customer homes will be kept to a minimum and all surfaces touched by engineers will be cleaned; customers will be asked to keep their distance from engineers and any offer of drinks will be politely declined.
The company expects peak times to change from evening to around early afternoon as residents face full days at home.
Customers will know that Locheilnet plans are not unlimited and the company is asking that people are mindful of not overloading the system with multiple people streaming video, playing games or doing video calls at the same time.
New installations will be done only in exceptional circumstances, such as an elderly customer moving to a location that has no internet.
Anyone new to the area will not be able to start a plan. The company is prioritising the safety of its workforce.
For more information, visit locheilnet.co.uk.