31 July 2012
A scheme in Norwich Diocese which gives broadband access to
remote rural communities has been highlighted as an example of best
practice in a report released today from the Lords
Communications Select Committee which says the Government's
broadband strategy must not leave communities behind.
WiSpire - a joint venture between the Diocese of Norwich and
Freeclix, a local ISP - was cited as an example "of emergence
of a new industry of infrastructure providers in the final mile who
will be able to respond to local demand and compete effectively
with their national cousins to build out local access networks
accordingly".
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham James, who is a member
of the Committee, said: "It is often those in the remotest
areas who need good broadband access for business, education and
leisure. Broadband is fast becoming an essential utility, and
a truly national infrastructure is still not in place.
No community should be left behind. I am delighted the report
highlights our WiSpire initiative in this diocese as a model to be
commended."
The Government has promised the best superfast broadband in
Europe by 2015 but the Lords Committee said its strategy was
misguided and urges the Government not to focus on speed but reach
of service.
The report adds that there is a very real risk that some people
and businesses are being left behind - "that inadequate access to
the internet and all its benefits is actually afflicting their
daily lives, prohibiting them from harvesting the fruits of the
information revolution."