[Chris]

Well, Rutland Telecom now exists as an independent telco business. And the thing about an independent business is, you don't need support, permission or leadership from your community council to set one up.

In my experience, community councils are inhabited by hacks and busybodies who like having the title and recognition but aren't vastly interested in actually doing anything they didn't think up themselves (and that isn't very much). If yours is being obstructive, or just plain disinterested, then don't involve them. You don't have to. Get a group of like-minded, interested private citizens together, get in touch with someone from Rutland Telecom, have a chat, then go for it yourselves.