Submitted on
Friday 29 October 2010
by
Catherine Tobin
West Sussex County Council is aware that there are a large number of rural areas where poor internet connection speeds hamper even the simplest of tasks and, still many areas that do not have internet connection at all.
The use of the internet in your home is a way of life throughout most of the world. In many parts of the United Kingdom internet banking, on-line shopping, completion of forms such as your Inland Revenue tax form and groceries delivered to your door have now become the accepted norm. Cheaper insurance, train tickets, holidays and theatre are all promoted via the internet. Not forgetting our students and children doing research for class work and of course the wider social networking that the internet allows.
But what if you live in a ‘out of range’ or poor internet speed area? You have a disadvantaged lifestyle because of your postcode. Well now you can do something about it!
We are asking residents, communities and businesses to complete a questionnaire that will enable us to build a case to put to BT Openreach and the Internet Service Providers, on your behalf, to improve broadband in the County.
Your role is essential to making sure that our voice is heard and that we are at the top of the queue when BT make the decision to improve broadband in West Sussex.
We are looking for responses from the widest possible cross section, especially from two key audiences: those without any connection and small to medium size businesses.
The attached questionnaire can be obtained from your local libraries and – for those who do have internet access - an on-line questionnaire will be live from Monday 4 October at: westsussex.gov.uk/broadband.
If you require an individual hard copy of the questionnaire – please ring 01243 382147 and one will be sent to you.
Please take the time to complete the questionnaire and help us to get you connected.
Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.