News Updates
Rural Areas are NOT a priority for Broadband at T & W
T & W scrapped plans and rejected government funding to improve Rural broadband as in terms of number of people who would benefit it was not worth the investment. The decision, made without consultation to The Rural Parish Councils, saved £700,000 that would have been doubled by Government grant to secure fast broadband through the old outdated telephone exchanges.
ON THE SAME DAY Cllr. Shaun Davies proudly announced the 1st of a number Wi-Fi hotspots set up in Madeley with others around the centre to follow. No mention of cost, but he did say; What we're talking about is making Telford a Wi-Fi hotspot in itself, so that Telford doesn't lag behind. What businesses are saying to me is actually the internet now is very important as the highway to their business development"
Yes, but Public Wi-Fi is not a route businesses would use to run their business, it is simply not secure enough to use for day to day operation. Business will have their own secure connections and firewall security. Public Wi-Fi is great for communication on the move for business persons and the public who save their 3G allowance costs and download Music, films, Books, update their Social pages for "free" at these hotspots. Currently they can do this at many Fast-food outlets in the warm but it will save them buying a coffee or burgher.
However it will not encourage business start-ups or create jobs.
Every individual creating their own start up business/service probably saves at least on average £10,000 in benefits and starts to pay in PAYE and NI of around £2,500 in a year minimum.
MEANWHILE AT A COUNCIL WHO UNDERSTAND BROADBAND
Shropshire Council the Government approved their bid for 16.4 million investment in rolling out Superfast broadband to the Rural areas. Cllr Taylor-Smith said,: "We're seeing broadband for rural areas as being a key part of jobs and creating jobs in the area."We see it as vital to the lifeblood and getting the economy in Shropshire up to speed."
"So we feel it is our duty as a Council to do whatever possible to improve the situation."
So despite all the cuts they have made as a Council they have invested £8.2 million in this programme.
T & W have missed a trick, making cuts is vital but you also have to speculate to accumulate, the £580 miiiion Government fund for Rural Broadband is their belief in the economic return and Shropshire agree investment in the rural communities is vital. T & W stands alone in not seeing the economic viablity of rural Broadband investment.
FACT: 75% of the Borough is classed as Rural, farmers are now very dependant on the Internet to conduct their business and many once redundant workers in Rural areas have launched their own enterprises.
Home-users on the Isle of Skye have 4 times as fast broadband as most rural locations. The Scottish Government also believe in broadband.
Telford & Wrekin Council is a Co-operative Council meaning it listens, consults, and responds to its commuities needs. Work in progress!
7 th March 2012 is the next RODINGTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY 7.30 PM AT LONGDON VILLAGE HALL