• A two page document describing the project progress to date, including a full description of the installation of equipment within your home.
   
• The standard ntl ‘Residential Customer Service Agreement’ for you to read and understand
   
• The trial specific Terms and Conditions, which must be returned to:
  
  Ms Angela May
  IT Department
  Civic Offices
  1 Saxon Gate East
  Central Milton Keynes
  MK9 3HG
   

Final selection of those to be included in the trial will only be possible after we have received your signed agreement to the terms and conditions. It is therefore vitally important that you read, understand and sign the Trial Terms and Conditions Agreement and return it immediately.

If you are selected, ntl will be contacting you over the coming weeks, beginning 6th October 2003, to arrange for an engineer to visit your home. Please return the telephone contact form (attached) with the signed agreement.

For anyone who may need to be excluded from this initial trial, we apologise sincerely for any disappointment caused, but please be aware this does not mean exclusion from further implementations.

Yours sincerely


Steven Jewell
Head of l.T.
Milton Keynes Council

I am pleased to advise that work is progressing well with the pilot of Wireless Broadband in the Milton Keynes area. We have now installed three Sector Antennas and associated equipment at the Linford Wood Mast site. These have been positioned to provide a coverage pattern of 270 degrees covering the West, South and East of the mast site (approximate range 5km). A fibre optic link back to Luton has been installed in preparation for connection to the ntl IP (Internet Protocol) network. This is effectively our link into the Internet.

We have also provided equipment at nine residential premises. These nine Customers are now able to access various files from a local server located at the base of the Linford mast. Tests are continuing with the assistance of these Customers to check the connectivity between the mast antenna and individual Customer equipment.

Providing Service to the Home

The Wireless Cable Modem system requires a physical “Line of Site” (LOS) between the transceiver unit fitted at the Customers’ property and the antenna fitted on the mast. In other words, from the property we need to be able to physically see the mast. To determine this, we first use a computer based geographic mapping tool which plots a line between the mast and Customer property, taking into account ground height, natural and man made obstructions, etc. The output of this mapping tool dictates the next stage of the installation process. For those addresses where the tool identifies LOS probability is high we will arrange an installation. For all others we will conduct a site survey.

Site Survey

Site surveys are conducted using a specialist vehicle. This is fitted with a Transceiver Unit mounted on a telescopic mast, which is connected to an on-board modem and computer. By raising and lowering the mast and positioning the vehicle we can ascertain if LOS can be achieved and the optimum location to place the transceiver unit. The biggest inhibitor to obtaining LOS are trees. However, very often, moving the position by only a metre can be the difference between good signal and no signal.

Fitting the Transceiver Unit

The first task to be completed on arrival of an installation is to identify the best location for the Transceiver Unit. In general terms we need to look for a
secure mounting position at the highest point of the property, i.e. gable end, chimney etc. We will then look to check that line of sight can be achieved by hand holding a transceiver unit at the identified location. Once confirmed we will discuss with you and agree the location and mounting method.
The picture to the left shows a typical gable end fixing.

What Happens If I Don’t Have Line Of Sight

Unfortunately without line of sight we will be unable to provide service to your property. However, should ntl launch a standard wireless broadband Internet service at the end of the Pilot, additional mast sites would be sought. These may offer an alternative LOS to your property, hence enabling us to provide service.

Cabling

From the outside Transceiver Unit we will run a co-axial cable to a Power Isolator. This is usually fitted just above the skirting in the room where the Cable Modem is to be fitted. Where possible the Power Isolator is located to cover where the co-axial cable enters from outside. The Power Isolator is connected to a small plug-in 240V transformer. We will require an available power socket within 2 metres of the Power Isolator.
From the power isolator we will run an internal co-axial cable to the Cable Modem.

Cable Modem

We will supply a Cable Modern, Ethernet fly lead and where required, USB adapter to enable connection to your PC. The modem will also require a 240V power socket. Upon installation of the Cable Modem the engineer will connect to his/her laptop and undertake some tests of the service.

Connection to Your PC

Once the engineer has successfully tested the service, he/she will contact the ntl PC Configuration team. This team’s role is to assist Customers (via the telephone) with the setting up of the Broadband service, web access, creating e-mail accounts etc. You will be given the option of either talking immediately (subject to an agent being available) to a ntl PC configuration team member or making an appointment for a ring back at a time convenient to you.

At the End of the Pilot

In the event that ntl do not launch a standard wireless broadband internet service at the end of the Pilot or if you elect not to subscribe to such service, ntl engineers will recover both the external transceiver unit and cable modem. All other cables and fittings installed for the purpose of the pilot will be left in situation.