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 Indeed, though we are suffering the outcome of an economic programme of austerity it is important that money is not withdrawn from projects designed to improve next generation access and community broadband.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 businesses, sell unwanted or home-made goods, and even try going it alone in the freelance world. All of the above are good survival strategies when the state fails to provide us with support. But many of these strategies rely on strong ICT infrastructure.
So it seems that excellent connectivity would benefit the whole of Britain and not simply those living in London and within commuting distance. Beyond the opportunity to be more enterprising, better access to the internet also helps build a more cohesive society. Web forums full of support and counsel have helped many a person get through a diverse range of difficulties from hands-on DIY technical hitches to emotional separations and stressful exam times. In fact, access to the internet is of increasing importance to young and old single people who are so busy in their professional lives and so set in their social habits that they find online dating the most effective and enjoyable way to find a lover or friend.
And we hardly want to deny fantastic romantic adventures and friendships to people on the sole reason of them having poor internet service. next generation access should certainly be evenly distributed and shortly will be thanks to ongoing improvements in the UK’s investment in ICT infrastructure. Evidently, community broadband projects will not only help solve the local issues described above. They will also help British citizens to stay abreast of international goings-on and current affairs, stay in touch with friends, family and business partners abroad, and, crucially, get access to information, educational resources, entertainment and work.
Please visit http://www.broadbandvantage.co.uk/ for further information about this topic.
http://www.broadbandvantage.co.uk/
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