Have you spoken to Gigaclear about what the cost would be if you dug the trench (assuming you would have permission to dig the trench across the land)? If you could dig the trench and lay suitable ducting then they may well significantly reduce the cost - but you would still need to pay for the ducting itself and would need permission to put the duct across the land. Some providers will work with individuals around this sort of option to reduce costs.

Seems you are in a geographic location that is going to make most options expensive.

I hadn't thought of that, I'll see what they say. If I'd known it would be this difficult, and that I'd need faster speeds to run a business because everything is video content or Live feed these days.. oh and that absolutely everything in a home would run off wifi in the near future... I think we would have definitely moved elsewhere! It's a nightmare!

If the OP only gets 5/0.5 currently, has no alternative provider, no mobile signal and poor satellite coverage with planning restrictions, isn't this USO territory? I'm no expert on this, have no experience of USO claims, but maybe someone more knowledgeable could comment?

The USO has a build cost cap which this far exceeds

Yes, but the quote is from Gigaclear, who are doing a new build. BT already supply the premises, and might be able to do something cheaper. Prob. not full fibre but something a bit better than the existing service. I wouldn't be very hopeful, but it might at least be worth asking. If nothing else, the USO process should come up with a list of alternative options.

I'm guessing from the information you have given that you are at 'the mansion' and it looks like a wonderful place to live. Albeit one that no provider is going to cover their costs even with government subsidy serving you. I would be looking at ground mounted Starlink for the short to medium term. Eventually BT as the nations flag carrier will want to have a nationwide network but eventually is a long time.

Edited by FibreBubble (Mon 27-Nov-23 20:40:25)

In reply to a post by gorebrush:

I'd look at Starlink instead, currently on offer for £199 for a refurbished unit.

Indeed, many moons ago, a work colleague of mine who live somewhere on Dartmoor had to go to satellite internet.

Bear in mind that the landowner of the surrounding land (if it's the location I'm thinking of then the National Trust?) will likely want a payment of £3.90 per metre in exchange for giving you permission to lay the ducting.

That's very helpful, thank you. I was hoping someone might have an answer other than what I've already looked into.
I was asking about a space to hire in the town and they said they've been told there's no chance of getting fibre there and they said they 'lease a line' and it's very fast. What's that about?

Starlink mounted outside gives the same problems with it being grade 1 listed - with the added issue that there is a constant stream of dog walkers/ joggers etc and no private outside space to mount it. I suspect I'll be saving up to get Starlink and a Jackery type unit and keep it in the car 🙈 Until I can hire a room to teach from. I need to do 3-4 Live sessions a week which is about 6 hours plus uploading videos, this cost adds up quickly at the room hire rate of £15 an hour minimum. I can't ask friends to accommodate me for this amount of time every week. There are some local village halls that are actually cheaper than hiring a hot desk or meeting room, I'll see what I can find.

Anyone have a spare campervan?! That would be ideal 😅