North Essex villages to see broadband investment?

Businesses in Essex that use VoIP solutions could see a significant boost to their operations, as plans for a £1 million investment in broadband infrastructure are being discussed.

The East Anglia Daily Times reported that more than 100 representatives from parishes across the county gathered last night (July 18th) to find an answer to the slow broadband speeds experienced by homes and companies in northern villages.

John Buchanan, chairman of the Essex Association of Local Councils, stated that government guidelines suggest people should be receiving speeds of at least two megabits per second, however, the reality is that many residents in the north of the county are not.

"I know some rural areas that are getting nowhere near this and are having to use a dial-up connection which, in broadband terms, is prehistoric. This is a big problem, not just for households but for businesses because you can't run a business without having good access to the internet," he added.

Northumberland councillor Roger Styring told the Berwick Gazette that the local authority sees super-fast broadband as a top priority and plans to invest in it accordingly.