Businesses and communities in Herefordshire are missing out because of the limited broadband coverage. However, a new document produced by Herefordshire Council sets out an ambitious way forward to address the challenges.
Herefordshire, like all rural areas, is not able to achieve the broadband coverage and bandwidth of more urban areas because the network coverage is not in place. The document entitled Broadband in Herefordshire – Developing a County Approach sets out a vision for the future, as well as outlining how solutions can be met.
This document makes clear that waiting for market forces to solve the problem is unlikely, with Herefordshire not having the population density to make the laying of optic fibre financially viable for commercial operators.
Councillor Roger Phillips, leader of Herefordshire Council, said: “People of the county are losing out, including businesses who are not able to compete on a level playing field with companies in the more urban areas who have faster connectivity.
“Within Herefordshire Council and NHS Herefordshire we are keen to have more services available electronically to aid access to services specifically in the rural areas but this will prove difficult without a broadband solution,” he added.
The document will be launched at a Community Broadband Conference on 18 March, from 4.30pm until 7pm at The Three Counties Hotel, Hereford. The conference is open to anyone with an interest in improving broadband and will include national and local speakers.
Natalia Silver, Herefordshire Council’s head of economic and community services, said: ”The conference and document produced aims to stimulate debate about a way forward for the county working with local businesses and communities to create solutions for different parts of the county.”
To book a place at the conference please contact Kate Amos on 01432 260638 or email to kamos@herefordshire.gov.uk
For anyone unable to make the conference the document can be sent (electronically or in paper form) after the event.