Superfast broadband campaign is getting out and about around the county’s libraries.
Cambridgeshire County Council’s Library Service will be helping to encourage more people to register their demand for better broadband access by displaying information about the campaign, which aims to bring superfast broadband to at least 90% of homes and businesses
across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough by 2015. More than 12,500 people have already registered their support but many more are needed to show suppliers where there is demand for better broadband access.
An information display will be in Cambridge Central Library and will tour larger libraries, whilst smaller displays will be also making the rounds in rural areas where broadband coverage is poorer. Library visitors will be able to pick up a leaflet with a freepost reply form or sign up to the campaign using a library computer via the website www.connectingcambridgeshire.co.uk
Cllr David Harty, Cambridgeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Learning said: “Our libraries have an important role to play in supporting the Connecting Cambridgeshire campaign for better broadband. Most libraries already offer free internet access and are increasingly making online services available so the public can make use of the latest digital technology to renew books, learn new skills and find out about what’s happening locally. I would encourage as many people as possible to take a few minutes to register for the campaign whilst visiting their local library.”
Cllr Ian Bates, Cambridgeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning, said: “Over 12,500 registrations in just over 12 weeks is a phenomenal response from the public to this campaign and shows how much pent up demand there is for superfast broadband.
“Many rural parishes have really got behind the campaign and we have some fantastic digital champions helping to encourage residents and businesses to register. However, we need all our parishes and communities to add their voice to the campaign to make sure the Connecting Cambridgeshire campaign achieves it goal.
“Hopefully, with the help of the library tour, we can aim even higher and show that demand for superfast broadband is scorching hot in Cambridgeshire – whatever the weather.”
> Tour dates:
> Chatteris Library Sept 17- 30
> Ramsey Library Sept 17- 30
> Littleport Library Oct 1 – 14
> Buckden Library Oct 1 – 14
> Soham Library Oct 15 – 28
> Sawtry Library Oct 15 – 28
> Warboys Library Oct 29 – Nov 4
As well as raising the demand for broadband access, it is critical that our communities and businesses can make full use of broadband services to realise the benefits they bring.
To support this, we are looking for community broadband champions to:
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Promote the benefits of broadband access locally
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Encourage people to register their demand
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Support and encourage internet use
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Arrange or support local events to highlight the campaign