Norfolk business leader calls for super-fast broadband
Sam WilliamsA Norfolk business leader has called for a renewed debate on super-fast broadband after a government proposal to fund its roll out was scrapped.Sam Williams
A Norfolk business leader has called for a renewed debate on super-fast broadband after a government proposal to fund its roll out was scrapped.
Caroline Williams, chief executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said it was essential that any incoming government look into alternative ways of funding high speed broadband after previous plans for a 50p-a-month tax on broadband lines were axed after time ran out before the dissolution of parliament next week.
As reported in the Evening News, faster broadband speeds are seen as a key step to aiding economic growth in East Anglia.
Norfolk has so far been left out of upgrades to super-fast broadband by BT, and many rural parts of the region have no broadband connection at all.
Mrs Williams said: 'Norfolk business wants and needs a super-fast broadband infrastructure that brings us into line with our major competitors.
'The UK must be at the forefront of the digital revolution, rather than continually playing catch-up.
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'That said, many companies do not see a 50p-a-month tax as the best or only means of funding super-fast broadband.
'It is critical that any incoming government reopen the debate on alternative sources of funding. Providers, businesses and government will all need to play their part.'
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