Next generation access improves our wealth and our health
While a number of underground stations in London have begun offering a free Wifi service to tube travellers, much of the rest of the country is only just achieving as much above ground. It might be expected that Britain’s capital, soon to be host to the Olympic games, would offer the best in internet speed but it would be totally unjust if rural Britain were left very far behind in future. Indeed, though we are suffering the outcome of an economic programme of austerity it is important that money is not withdrawn from projects designed to improve next generation access and community broadband. Because, as people face job losses, pay cuts, and ‘streamlined’ conditions of employment, many of the most enterprising will take it upon themselves to set up micro…