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 at this point – However PLEASE note that as Openreach states, their fibre status on the checker is not always accurate or up to date, so to be safe, if you do not have full fibre, make sure you register your interest (and get all your neighbours to do also) on the checker. The more interest, the more likely they will schedule roll out to your area. https://www.openreach.com/fibre-checker
  • 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 [see below updat]. Unclear if this includes Pains Hill, Caxton Lane, Trevereux Hill – 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.
  • March 2025
    • A letter was sent to Claire Coutinho MP seeking guidance on how mobile and broadband coverage in the area could be improved, including identification of relevant contacts, planned upgrades, and any available support or initiatives.
    • Ongoing communications took place with Claire Coutinho MP, Cameron McIntosh, and Cabinet Member Matt Furniss to explore potential avenues for improvement.
  • April 2025 – May 2026
    • Initial discussions were held with Simon Chiles regarding the feasibility of extending cable networks into rural farmland areas.
    • Further conversations took place with AirFast to identify locations that may benefit from enhanced broadband provision.
    • Discussions were also held with Openreach to understand the current extent of fibre rollout, particularly in Limpsfield Chart and surrounding rural areas.
    • Ongoing contact with BT Openreach via Cllr Cameron McIntosh
  • June 2026 –
    • Reissue of note regarding survey – for residents to update their current position, and also request to all to register interest for full fibre on Openreach website. https://www.openreach.com/fibre-checker
    • Communication with / Response from Mark Lamb at BT Openreach regarding investigation into piecemeal fibre build in Limpsfield Chart Village and removal of Tally Road from build plan.

FROM BT Openreach – 22 June 2026:

“…the remaining premises** within the [Chart] village are to be connected to the full fibre network, this will be split across 3 fibre rollouts… there is further works needed within their local exchange (Oxted),… we’re also having to undertake some complex civil engineering works.

So far, the plan is to have the full fibre plan completed by the end of December this year at the latest. However, I need to be clear that all our fibre rollout plans may be subject to change, delay or even cancellation. If any residents have any questions about our plans, they can either contact their service provider to raise an enquiry with us, or they can navigate our website and local the fibre enquiry form.”

[Note: This is the broadband checker/request update form that has previously been circulated.]

**”Remaining premises”, as clarified by BT Openreach, refers to the outstanding properties on Ridlands Lane, Ridlands Rise, Tally Road (including Mill Lane and Post Office Row), St Andrews Way, Stoneleigh Road (including the track), and the upper part of Moorhouse Road (including the Cricket Club and Church Hall).

Please note that, as Openreach states, rollout schedules are subject to change, so this cannot be taken as a guarantee. However, there is a clear intention to complete the rollout to the remaining parts of the village, so fingers crossed.

It is also worth noting that the fibre checker is “not always accurate”. If it states that there are no build plans for your property or road, that may not necessarily be correct. Nevertheless, I would encourage you to register for updates if you have not already done so. https://www.openreach.com/fibre-checker

If you receive any communication from BT Openreach regarding full fibre—for example, notifications that installation is planned and asking whether you are interested in connecting (as I and other residents received ahead of connection) — please could you forward it to me, Sophie, or simply let me know, so that I can keep track of progress across the village.

Email: clerk@limpsfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk

Thank you.

Next Steps / What We Can Do

  • Survey: TAKE THE SURVEY! Please take our survey to let us know your broadband and mobile situation… CLICK HERE
  • Register your interest in FF if you don’t already have it via https://www.openreach.com/fibre-checker
  • Service Mapping: Continue to identify all available services and confirm Openreach FTTP build scope (in progress).
  • Coverage Gaps: Verify which properties will not be FTTP-ready now or in near future (in progress).
  • BT Openreach Engagement: Explore possibility of formal communication (e.g., letter of support from Cameron McIntosh). Identify the right contact at BT/Openreach – Update June 2026: We have now had direct contact with / confirmation from their Exec Escalations team regarding Chart build – see above.
  • Alternative Funding: Investigate other broadband funding options, such as Project Gigabit.
  • Expand AirFast Access: Consider supporting or facilitating wider adoption of AirFast connections where needed and appropriate.

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)
  • Spring 2025 – Ongoing
    • A resident survey was launched to assess current service levels and identify coverage gaps. This work remains ongoing.
  • 2025 – Ongoing
    • Meetings have been held with Cameron McIntosh, local councillors, and VodafoneThree to explore options for improving mobile coverage, including optimisation of existing mast infrastructure and the potential for additional infrastructure (such small cell antenna) in Limpsfield Chart. Awaiting more updates.
    • VodafoneThree has agreed to review maintenance of existing sites, including the removal of foliage (notably near Oxted Station), to help improve signal strength.
    • Engagement with O2 and other network providers, via Cameron McIntosh, has so far not resulted in further progress.
  • 2025/6
    • Nov 2025 – Tree works were undertaken at the Oxted Station mast site to improve signal performance.
    • VodafoneThree has confirmed it is exploring an innovative solution to improve mobile coverage in Limpsfield Chart. This involves assessing the feasibility of deploying a compact “small cell” unit, designed to provide wider coverage in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
    • Testing of this technology is currently underway at another location. Subject to successful outcomes, VodafoneThree will provide further details and a potential delivery plan. This approach could offer a faster alternative to the construction of a new macro mast.
    • Pushing for further update from VodafoneThree – Cllr Cameron McIntosh.
    • Planning permission was approved for upgraded communications equipment at the St Michael’s site.
    • An application for another 3 antenna at the St Michael’s site has also been submitted and approved (June 2026).
    • April 2026 – Conversation with Cornerstone, providers of infrastructure at Park Farm, Water Lane regarding potential for infrastructure sharing. Currently only Vodafone / Three. This is not expected to be forthcoming.

Next Steps / What We Can Do

  • Continued dialogue with comms companies: Continue conversation with communications companies and infrastructure providers regarding future potential
  • New Sites: Explore potential small mast / cell 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.
  • Balance aesthetics with the need for connectivity. 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, e.g. National Trust).