As we reflect on 2025, the Digital Infrastructure Programme (DIP) team is excited to share some of our proudest – yet unseen – achievements. These highlights showcase the complex problem solving, collaboration, and creative thinking that go into our work, much of which happens behind the scenes and outside of the projects we lead. Here are four examples that demonstrate why our team is always busy, and why our work matters for Oxfordshire’s communities.
Gallowstree Common – Gigaclear Commercial Build
Gallowstree Common, a small village of around 140 houses near the Berkshire border, was almost fully connected to full fibre at the start of 2025 – except for six homes that were left behind on Hazelmoor Lane. When residents reached out via their MP, the DIP team took swift action.
What did the DIP team do?
- We investigated the coverage data to pinpoint which premises were affected and which suppliers operated locally.
- We proactively contacted both Airband and Gigaclear, arranging surveys to determine why these homes had been missed and what works would be needed.
- Throughout the process, we kept all parties informed, ensuring residents, suppliers, and the MP were up to date on progress and next steps.
- DIP team members assisted with supplier surveys, helping to clarify technical requirements and potential solutions, and Gigaclear confirmed they would schedule the works into their commercial build.
- Ongoing coordination ensured Gigaclear scheduled and completed the necessary works under their commercial programme.
- Thanks to this hands-on approach, the village achieved 100% full fibre coverage by November.
One resident summed it up:
“That’s excellent news – thank you to you and the DIP team for your persistence.”
Ewelme – Airband Commercial Build
Ewelme, with around 345 premises, faced a bleak outlook for full fibre connectivity, with less than 10% of homes connected at the start of 2025 and no commercial plans for expansion for the next three years. The 10% that were connected were delivered under previous council initiatives: BBFO, BiRO, and GigaHubs. Residents and their MP asked the DIP team for help.
What did the DIP team do?
- We interrogated coverage data and confirmed there were no commercial or government plans for the area.
- We approached Openreach to clarify their intentions, confirming with both BDUK and Openreach that Ewelme was not in any current plans.
- We reached out to all suppliers with active commercial build programmes in Oxfordshire, sharing Ewelme’s situation and asking if they could consider it for investment.
- Airband responded positively, agreeing to survey the village subject to survey and a detailed cost analysis.
- DIP team arranged joint site visits with Airband, village representatives, and our team to ground survey the area, investigate technical issues, and explore design solutions.
- We supported Airband in confirming necessary civil works and pole locations, and communicated these clearly to the parish.
- DIP team guided Airband and the parish council through complex telecommunications infrastructure regulations and planning requirements, ensuring compliance and best practice.
- We worked closely with Oxfordshire County Council’s Network Management to facilitate and expedite the build, resolving issues as they arose.
- Regular communication with all stakeholders – parish council, residents, Airband, councillors, and the MP – kept everyone informed and engaged.
- After nearly eight months of site visits, calls, emails, and meetings, Airband completed delivery of gigabit capable connectivity in mid-December, just in time for Christmas.
- Airband also offered a free year of full fibre broadband for a community building as a goodwill gesture.
A resident said:
“It is terrific news that, after five years of effort for some of us in the village, Airband has brought the 21st Century to Ewelme with full fibre. Thank you DIP team for making this happen.”
Footpath Kidlington – Openreach Commercial Build
Openreach’s plans to deliver full fibre to Kidlington faced a major hurdle: a 65m section of footpath needed to be dug up to install ducting for full fibre, but the permit was scheduled for February 2026, missing the target completion date. This section of work was the key to unlocking full fibre, gigabit connectivity for 400 homes in Kidlington. Openreach asked the DIP team for assistance in finding a way to bring the work forward so that the connections could be completed sooner.
What did the DIP team do?
- We reviewed available data and maps, leveraging local knowledge to understand the area and the nature of the work.
- DIP team met with Openreach to discuss the technical requirements and the details of the permit application.
- We brought in colleagues from Network Management to discuss the urgency and explore options for expediting the permit.
- DIP team arranged a joint site visit with Openreach and the Network Management inspector to review the request on the ground.
- We negotiated with Openreach to provide a full-width reinstatement of the footpath at their own cost, addressing concerns about disruption.
- DIP team facilitated agreement for the works to proceed as emergency works in December, rather than waiting for the original permit date.
- We agreed to a letter drop from the supplier to all neighbouring properties, providing details of the works, diversion routes, and contact information for both Openreach and DIP, ensuring residents had support throughout.
- The work went ahead with minimal disruption, unlocking gigabit connectivity for 400 homes and leaving the community with a newly resurfaced footpath.
Openreach’s build supervisor said:
“A big thank you to the DIP team and Network Management who have been hugely supportive in enabling us to provide Full Fibre to the Kidlington customers in a complex situation within tight timescales. It does mean a lot, and we could not have done this without you and your team being super supportive and flexible.”
Cassington Road, Yarnton – Virgin Media Commercial Build
In Yarnton, a resident’s quest for a gigabit connection from Virgin Media turned into a months-long saga of frustration and contradictory communication. The resident was unable to ger a connection to his property, and was advised by the supplier that the issue was a lack of ducting. After installing his own ducting and still getting nowhere, he reached out to Cherwell District Council’s Digital Infrastructure Partnership Board member and the DIP team.
What did the DIP team do?
- We responded immediately to the resident, arranging a follow-up call to understand the issue in detail.
- DIP investigated coverage data and used local knowledge to identify the most likely barrier to delivery.
- We contacted Virgin Media on the resident’s behalf, asking them to investigate why the property was excluded when others nearby were covered.
- DIP arranged a site visit and survey with the resident and Virgin Media, enabling a ground-level investigation of the problem and identification of a solution.
- We worked collaboratively with Virgin Media to facilitate the necessary works and expedite completion.
- DIP maintained regular communication with the resident, Virgin Media, and involved councillors, providing updates and resolving issues as they arose.
- Thanks to our intervention, the connection was completed less than ten weeks after DIP got involved.
The delighted resident wrote to the council’s Chief Executive:
“I wanted to thank the DIP team for the part they played in getting this over the line with their unwavering support. Their persistence, practical approach, and willingness to engage the right people (and even come out on a Sunday) made a real difference. They kept momentum when it felt like things might stall again. Their support turned a never-ending saga into a positive outcome, and I’m genuinely grateful.”
Reflecting on 2025 and looking ahead to 2026
These stories are just a glimpse into the dedication, expertise, and collaborative work undertaken by the DIP team. Much of what we do happens behind the scenes, but it’s these efforts that make a real difference for Oxfordshire’s residents and businesses. Thank you to everyone who has supported and collaborated with us this year — your partnership has been vital to our success. As we move into 2026, we’re excited to build on this momentum and continue delivering outcomes that matter. The DIP team is looking forward to:
- Driving investment and innovation by strengthening partnerships with commercial operators to expand digital and smart infrastructure, enabling gigabit-capable connections and supporting the government’s target of 99% gigabit coverage by 2032.
- Streamlining delivery through close collaboration with the council’s Network Management and permitting teams to accelerate digital infrastructure projects across the county.
- Advancing smart infrastructure by working with Streetlighting teams to support the UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy goal of nationwide standalone 5G in all populated areas by 2030 — boosting commercial investment and removing deployment barriers.
- Completing the England’s Connected Heartland (ECH) 5G network build at Harwell and along the East West Rail corridor (Bicester to Bletchley).
- Connecting the first live customers on both the ECH Harwell and ECH Rail networks, showcasing the real benefits of 5G technology.
Together, these initiatives will help ensure Oxfordshire remains at the forefront of digital connectivity and innovation.