Norfolk MPs show their support for the Say Yes to Better Broadband campaign at Westminster. L-R: Simon Wright (Norwich South), George Freeman (Mid Norfolk), Ann Steward (Norfolk County Councillor), Elizabeth Truss (South West Norfolk) and Norman Lamb (North Norfolk.)
Norfolk MPs take broadband campaign to Westminster
By CHRIS HILL, Rural affairs correspondent
Friday, February 10, 2012
8:23 AM
Norfolk’s MPs have joined forces to take the EDP-backed Say Yes to Better Broadband campaign to Westminster.
A cross-party group of the county’s representatives gathered outside the Houses of Parliament to promote the message that householders and businesses need to prove their desire for a superfast internet upgrade.
Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman was joined by North Norfolk’s Norman Lamb, South West Norfolk’s Elizabeth Truss, and Norwich North and South MPs Chloe Smith and Simon Wright.
The “Norfolk United” approach has already paid dividends in previous campaigns to dual the A11, to save RAF Marham – and to secure the £15m in government funding for the broadband project, which was matched by Norfolk County Council.
But now it is up to individuals to convince the telecoms industry to bring the vital private investment to the scheme.
More than 7,600 Norfolk homes and businesses have already signed up to help demonstrate the commercial demand, but Mr Freeman said many more registrants are needed before the end of March.
“We are halfway through the period in which in which all those with an interest in fast broadband in Norfolk need to register our interest,” he said.
“We all know how important fast broadband is for our economy, public services and communities. The danger is that the rural demand is invisible. That is why we need to register so that telecoms companies can plan to make the necessary investment that affects all of us in rural areas, who have waited too long. This is your chance!”
Mr Freeman said he is preparing to launch a rural campaign push in his constituency next week with the help of local councillors and businesses.
nThe Better Broadband for Norfolk project aims to bring superfast 30Mbps download speeds to as much of the county as possible and a minimum of 2Mbps for everyone by 2015.
Norfolk residents and businesses can sign up online at www.norfolk.gov.uk/sayyesnorfolk, or by calling 0344 800 8023.
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11 comments
Ann Steward with the YES sign. Ann Steward you are standing in front of the wrong building, that is not a waste incinerator.
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Jack
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
We said No and you did not bother to listen to us in West Norfolk out out out with the tories.
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Jack
Monday, February 13, 2012
7,600 people signed up already? Funny, that's about the same number as the hit counter on their website.
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j_simone_65
Monday, February 13, 2012
Another day, another tank full of sharks for Ann Steward to flounder in......
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Fenscape
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Norfolk, please don't go the same way as other councils have, do not hand taxpayers money to the telcos protecting the copper phone lines, it can never deliver a solution. Put your money into fibre rings round the cities,help the rurals first, then help the urban areas break free from the copper cabal throttling and capping this nation.
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cyberdoyle
Friday, February 10, 2012
Norfolk, please don't go the same way as others, do not hand taxpayers money to the telcos protecting the copper phone lines, it can never deliver a solution. Put your money into fibre rings round the cities,help the rurals first, then help the urban areas break free from the copper cabal throttling and capping this nation.
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cyberdoyle
Friday, February 10, 2012
2Mbps for everyone by 2015! That is already available in Norfolk via satellite and 3G. No need to wait for that the English government should just put that in as the Welsh Assembly do via their support scheme. Ask your MP why England does not put money to a support scheme rather than just dither.
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Richard Dix
Friday, February 10, 2012
2Mbps for everyone by 2015! That is already available in Norfolk via satellite and 3G. No need to wait for that the English government should just put that in as the Welsh Assembly do via their support scheme. Ask your MP why England does not put money to a support scheme rather than just dither.
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Richard Dix
Friday, February 10, 2012
Why do articles about Norfolk MPs never mention the South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon? If he's not prepared to do an MP's job he should resign.
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john smith
Friday, February 10, 2012
And where was Brandon Lewis then ??? Come on EDP, please investigate.
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"V"
Friday, February 10, 2012
I don't see our broadland MP Lord Lucan there!
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Marigold
Friday, February 10, 2012