Broadband
Broadband is fast becoming the 'new utility'. It is said to be crucial to the economy and prosperity – even to the extent that some people claim it is as important as steam was in the Industrial Revolution.
The case for rural broadband has long been made – but nothing really seems to have happened until now. Boradband’s impact on rural living and rural regeneration through local businesses is far-reaching. Bluntly – those areas deprived of broadband put local businesses at a competitive disadvantage.
The Government department, DEFRA, recently published results of a survey which showed that:
- 8% of households in England have either no, or slow broadband access
- 25% of households specifically in rural areas have no, or slow broadband access
At long last, Government has recognised that broadband access is essential for everyone and has committed significant funds across England to make this happen. The money has been divided up county by county – in the case of East Sussex – some £10.64M has been allocated (one of the highest allocations due to the substantial number of rural communities in East Sussex). East Sussex County Council (ESCC) has also pledged a further £15M to support the rollout of superfast broadband across the county.
However, in order to access this money, ESCC has to demonstrate need across the county. It needs to know from each Parish what the evidence is amongst local businesses and households.
The Parish Council and the VAP Business Team are working together to make sure Plumpton’s voice is heard.
Over the last few weeks, representatives from both the Parish Council and the Village Action Plan have attended introductory conferences held by both ESCC and Action in rural Sussex.
Early in January, the Business Team hosted a meeting with Lewes District Council to establish a communications strategy with the business community in Plumpton.
The Parish Council and VAP will work together on this project to make sure that Plumpton benefits from any improvements to broadband.
Plumpton Exchange Broadband Survey (Please submit by 30 April)
Plumpton Exchange Broadband Survey (Please submit by 30 April)
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