CALLING ON RURAL BUSINESS AND VILLAGE COMMUNITIES TO SPEAK OUT FOR FASTER BROADBAND
FACT FINDING ‘BETTER BROADBAND’ ROADSHOWS
Staffordshire Rural Hub is running an important series of Better Broadband Roadshows on behalf of Staffordshire County Council, at locations across the county throughout June. These roadshows will help to make the case for faster, more reliable broadband services, in particular to Staffordshire’s villages and remote rural areas.
The Government has pledged that all areas of the UK will have at least 2Mb broadband by 2015, and is making funds available to improve broadband infrastructure where the current service is below par.
Frances Beatty, Staffordshire Rural Hub’s Coordinator, said:
“We know that broadband is faster in some parts of Staffordshire than others, and some people aren’t able to obtain the speeds that should be available. It’s vital that we get an accurate understanding of people’s real experiences, from residents and businesses around the county.
“That’s why we are running a series of eight Better Broadband Roadshows throughout the county in June, in village and community halls, for everyone to come to. Staffordshire County Council will collect your comments and will use them to build the case for Government funding.
“More and more people rely on broadband for business, education, accessing services, social networking, entertainment, or to work from home. Yet commercial broadband providers think there is little demand in villages and outlying communities.
“Government funding would enable coverage in those areas that are currently under-served and are not likely to receive investment from private providers because of the perceived lack of commercial return.
“But faster broadband, to unlock the full range of new internet services, is unlikely to reach our rural areas without pressure from our local communities.
“Do come along and talk to us and find out what you can do with broadband. Help us to prove demand for faster broadband to government and providers.
“We’d like to talk to rural businesses, farmers, pubs, post offices, shops, schoolteachers, youngsters, teenagers, mums, dads, oldies, community leaders, volunteer organisers! We need to hear from everyone”.
Drop in to one of these Village Halls any time from 2.00pm to 9.00pm. There will be a short talk from 7.00pm:
□ Anslow, Burton, Monday 6th June
□ Wombourne, Wolverhampton, Wednesday 8th June
□ Warslow, Leek, Thursday 9th June
□ Stowe by Chartley, Stafford, Wednesday 15th June
□ Alstonefield, Ashborne, Monday 20th June
□ Calf Heath, Wolverhampton, Tuesday 21st June
□ Eccleshall Community Hall, Thursday 23rd June
□ Fradley, Lichfield, Friday 24th June
Rural Hub staff will also be available to record your views at the Staffordshire County Show Wednesday June 1st and Thursday June 2nd, at the Hub offices under the grandstand.
