Slow Broadband in Rural Areas
Superfast broadband is being installed and this is being overseen by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). However, the Government is being accused by rural campaigners and the Country Land Association (CLA) of failing to understand the problems of slow broadband in rural areas and it is also being accused of not taking the problem seriously. Somerset MP David Heath, and the Department Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Minister claimed that connections in his constituency are “slower than a man with a stick” and he criticised the fact that the installation of superfast broadband is being overseen by DCMS rather than his own department. This comment was stated to be “far too generous” by Harry Cottrell, President of the CLA and he added “we believe this ‘man with a stick’ must also be confused and lost”. However he is pleased that DEFRA is concerned about the problem but he has said that despite an 11 year campaign there is still “some difficulty” getting DCMS to understand the message that they are trying to get across. Mr Cottrell added “it is vital the industry and Government departments work together if they are to prevent rural-urban digital divide from widening further”. It has got to the point where some rural communities are/have taken matters into their own hands. It was recently reported that residents of Elberton in South Gloucestershire would have to pay for the upgrade of their local structure to get the faster speeds. This is due to the distance of the village from the exchange. The main exchange is at Thornbury which is scheduled for an upgrade by BT in 2014. BT will then install a street cabinet in Alveston but the distance to Elberton is too great to transmit superfast broadband to the village. The villagers are now left with a dilemma as to install a cabinet in Elberton it would cost between £25000 and £75000. South Gloucestershire Council has stated that “because Elberton is severed by a street cabinet that is part of BT’s commercial rollout the village is ineligible for any Government or Council funded investment” and, therefore, it is unable to contribute. One local resident has said that he will suggest setting up a community fund to cover the cost of this but he is sceptical as to the response as he said “people don’t want to put their hands in their pockets”. However, there are several communities who have successfully carried out these community projects.
0 Comments
Broadband Grant Scheme for Wales
The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) has set up a scheme offering up to £1000 to communities, residents, third sector organisations and businesses for fast broadband connections. The Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Ken Skates, has said that WAG wants improved connectivity . The grant is intended for properties and premises where constant connection download speed is below 2Mbps. The scheme is set to launch on 1st October. However, some exchanges are set to be upgraded so potential applicants should first check www.superfast-cymru.com and use the postcode check to check if the exchange that serves their property or premises is one of the ones that is being upgraded. “Switching Telecoms Provider
Have you ever considered switching your telecoms provider by shied away from it because of the challenges? According to Ed Richards, CE of Ofcom, at a meeting which was hosted by Ofcom and the Communications Consumer Panel, the UK has one of the world’s most competitive communications markets but individuals, companies etc. have found it challenging to take advantage of the offers that are available due to the difficulties that can arise when switching. Therefore, Ofcom and the Communications Companies have been encouraged to co-operate when a customer swaps companies and to make it easier. He is quoted as saying “transforming switching, to remove the inconvenience, delays and uncertainty that currently can bedevil consumers when trying to change their provider” He also said that providers should enable consumers to take advantage of the increasing competition and innovation that is available. Under the current system the “losing” provider has responsibility for leading the transfer, however, under a new system announced by Ofcom in August it will be the “gaining” provider which will be responsible for the transfer. Hopefully this will remove some of the challenges that have existed when attempting to change providers” “Telecoms – Do You Know What Your Tariff Is?
When was the last time you checked your telephone bill to check the tariff that you are on? Are you being charged by the minute and if so then you will be charged for full minutes even if you only on the telephone for 1 second. Are you being charged by the second? Are you being charged a connection fee? If so, what is it? Is there a minimum call charge? If so, what is it? Are you even being charged for services that you have no idea what they are or cannot remember requesting them at the time of entering into the contract e.g. Caller ID? Are you paying the amount that was quoted in the contract or is it higher. Has your telecommunications provider contacted you to offer you a better deal or to review your requirements?” Beware Of The Small Print in Telecoms Contracts
Do you ever check the terms and conditions of a telecoms contract before signing it? If not beware. The most common problem is with early termination. Although all contain an early termination clause, they fail to state the amount that will be charged if you terminate the contract early, therefore, the company can charge what it likes. Other examples: 1. One company boasts in its terms and conditions, which are on its website, are not in small print but these are 84 pages long! Are YOU going to read through 84 pages? 2. Another company offers a three year contract but fails to mention that the terms and conditions specify you have to give three years’ notice. One company that we know were told that it would have to pay £4000 plus VAT for early termination and they only had two analogue lines. 3. Some companies specify that its early termination fees are £300 per line. |
Categories
All
CAP BUSINESS CLUBS BLOG
Archives
December 2018
Visit us on Facebook - We always appreciate any "Likes"
Contact us
T: 01594 723120 M: 07811 981929 Email: Here Office 3 The Main Place Old Station Way Coleford, Glos GL16 8RH |