Nationalstrategyurged forbroadband

Simon Bristow

COUNCILLORS have called for a national strategy to give people equal access to a quality broadband service.

Some people in the East Riding either have slow broadband speed or no access at all, leaving them unable to do business, work from home or access online services.

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Jonathan Owen and Jane Evison, East Wolds and Coastal ward councillors at East Riding Council, have spent years campaigning on the issue.

Coun Owen said: “Consider children with no access to the internet having to do their homework, businesses with such slow, or no access, having to complete tax returns online, traders trying to compete with online businesses when they have no access.

“It’s high time a national stance was taken to ensure investment to allow everyone equal access in terms of connectivity and speed.

“We are supposed to be one of the most developed countries in the world but it sometimes doesn’t seem that way in rural areas.

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“I welcome the positive noises from the new coalition Government and hope they now implement what the previous Government only talked about.”

Last year both councillors were contacted by North Frodingham farmer Philip Meadley, who had difficulties trying to get a broadband connection at home.

It took three-and-a-half months to get a written answer from BT, only for Mr Meadley to be told he would have to wait another six months before applying again for the connection.

Coun Evison added: “For those of us who can receive broadband it is hard to conceive how we could run our businesses and operate efficiently without, but there are many areas that for different reasons just can’t access the service.

“Life at present is difficult enough and to allow small East Riding businesses to survive they must be able to access broadband.”