Broadband and Mobile Connectivity in Limpsfield

This is clearly a very hot topic, particularly on the Chart, Common and in the more rural areas of the parish, where tree coverage is extensive, and mobile phone signal is pretty non-existent. In these areas, broadband is largely reliant on the old copper wire network, slower Fibre to Cabinet or AirFast connections. BT Openreach’s build plans are very unclear and do not include areas, such as the farmland to the south of the parish.

There are safety concerns regarding lack of connectivity, particularly for vulnerable residents, who may no longer have landline (or have digital voice), but have no mobile signal, leaving them without a means of communication in the event of a power cut. Home safety alarms etc are also reliant on broadband/wifi provision.

Broadband

What We Know

  • BT/Openreach FTTP: No plans to build in the rural farmland area.
  • AirFast: Currently serves a large portion of the rural area using a combination of cable and wireless connections via Crockham Park, Trevereux Manor, Wintersell Farm (TBC), Tally Road masts, and connecting cables across farmland.
  • Current Coverage: Approximately 52 properties in Limpsfield are connected via AirFast [to be confirmed by AirFast].
  • BT Openreach Expansion: Currently building in the Chart Village area though this seems to be piecemeal. Timeline and area to be clarified. Unclear if this includes Pains Hill, Caxton, Trevereux – to confirm with BT Openreach. Requires residents survey to establish scope of current broadband availability and immediate future development potential.

What’s Happened to Date

  • Discussions with AirFast (2019–2020) and promotional efforts regarding AirFast and Gigabit Voucher Scheme via website, newsletters, and social media.
  • Broadband information articles published on LPC website (3 articles in 2020–2021).
  • Ongoing dialogue with AirFast about current and potential new connections.
  • April 2025: Discussion with Simon Chiles regarding cable network feasibility in farmland areas.
  • March–April 2025: Communications with Claire Coutinho MP, Cameron McIntosh, and Cabinet Member Matt Furniss.

Next Steps / What We Can Do

  • Survey: TAKE THE SURVEY! Please take our survey (open until the end of July 2025) to let us know your broadband and mobile situation… CLICK HERE
  • Service Mapping: Identify all available services and confirm BT Openreach FTTP build scope (in progress).
  • Coverage Gaps: Verify which properties will not be FTTP-ready now or in near future.
  • BT Openreach Engagement: Explore possibility of formal communication (e.g., letter of support from Cameron McIntosh). Identify the right contact at BT/Openreach.
  • Alternative Funding: Investigate other broadband funding options, such as Project Gigabit.
  • Expand AirFast Access: Consider supporting or facilitating wider adoption of AirFast connections.

Mobile Connectivity

What We Know

  • Coverage Issues: Signal is poor across Limpsfield and Oxted due to limited or overloaded infrastructure.
  • Classification: Likely a “Partial Not Spot” (some 4G coverage from each MNO, but none offer full coverage). “A partial not-spot is served by at least one, but not all four, mobile operators. Total not-spots receive no 4G coverage at all.” More info on not-spot classification
  • Current Mast Locations: Oxted Quarry, A25 Old Oxted, St Michael’s, Moorhouse Layby (new – EE/Three), Clacket Lane.
  • Signal Strength: Outdoor signal in the Chart area appears strongest from O2 and EE – needs to be validated with local data. 5G was available over the winter but has now disappeared (likely seasonal due to foliage density in summer months)
  • View cell tower locations

What’s Happened to Date

  • 2021: Extensive engagement with Waldon Telecom regarding replacement masts for Oxted Quarry.
  • Quote from Juliet Baller (Waldon Telecom): “The two sites are required in order to replace the coverage and network capacity lost… A single solution is not feasible. Coverage plots and supplementary info are available for council reference.”
  • Mast Planning Applications:
    • Ridlands Lane / A25: Refused, dismissed at appeal.
    • Moorhouse Layby: Approved on appeal.
    • Ballards Lane / A25 verge: Refused, dismissed at appeal.
    • Temporary mast near Broomlands (A25, 2023): Objected to and removed.
  • 2024–2025:
    • Ongoing contact with Waldon Telecom about future plans.
    • March 2025: Email to Claire Coutinho MP regarding signal issues and need for intervention.
    • May 2025: Email from Cllr Cameron McIntosh and all parish/district councillors to Cornerstone and MBNL. Positive communication with Vodafone – and meeting organised for August 2025.
    • Launch of residents survey by LPC to ascertain coverage status.
    • Attendance at summer fairs to talk to residents about broadband and mobile coverage/provision.
  • Please see our article here with further information on mobile phone masts / coverage updates – including useful information on criteria for phone masts; communication with Waldon Telecom and Shared Rural Network (SRN)

Next Steps / What We Can Do

  • Communication with comms companies: Continue conversation with communications companies and infrastructure providers regarding future potential
  • New Sites: Explore potential mast installation at St Andrew’s Church and any other viable locations.
  • Feasibility Review: Identify where mast criteria can realistically be met (see criteria guidance).
  • Low-Impact Solutions: Look into smaller, less visible masts or infrastructure that may meet fewer objections.
  • Community Engagement: Balance aesthetics with the need for connectivity – community support will be critical. There is no doubt that we will need to make compromises in terms of aesthetics vs. signal/coverage (ie. via masts, which can be unpopular and are restricted by certain landowners).