Essex businesses 'need better mobile broadband access'

Businesses located in Essex are missing out due to the "poor" broadband coverage in the area at present.

That is according to chairman of the Essex Federation of Small Businesses Iain Wicks, who is quoted by the Chelmsford Weekly News as stating that a BBC Survey of 3G mobile broadband has indicated large areas of the region are without it.

"There is an increasing reliance on mobile broadband access by customers and for businesses to be competitive they need to be able to rely on having good connections available," he said.

Mr Wicks added that action needs to be taken "rapidly" for the benefit of organisations, who rely on such technology to communicate.

This follows recent comments made by deputy council leader at East Sussex County Council Keith Glazier suggesting that broadband services are now viewed as being essential, rather than a luxury.

He welcomed the news the UK government is planning to increase investment in broadband.