EEDA assesses demand for next-generation broadband

A study is underway by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) to find out the scale of demand for next-generation broadband speeds in the region.

People living in regions such as Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Bedfordshire can register their interest online if they are keen to have access to next-generation broadband speeds faster than the two megabits-per-second targeted by the government's universal connectivity policy.

The EEDA will use the research to pursue funding from the European Commission and from local businesses, although it is not a guarantee that the region will get faster services.

Internet service providers such as BT and Virgin Media are investing considerable sums in providing high-speed connectivity using fibre optic cabling, but this is thought to be too expensive for many rural communities.

Alternative technologies such as community-wide Wi-Fi or satellite services are being considered, which could enable more people to use VoIP solutions, while some communities are digging their own trenches to reduce the cost of laying cables.