Broadband has been described as the 4^th utility. It is becoming ever more important that people, especially young people, have access to high speed internet in order to be able to participate fully with leisure, entertainment and educational activities, as well as accessing vital services. People unable to engage with the social networking opportunities that broadband brings can find themselves at a distinct disadvantage.

With the rise of home-working and the establishment of home-based businesses rising faster in rural areas than anywhere else, access to broadband services in rural areas is a bigger issue than ever. The proportion of businesses operating from home is higher in rural areas than in urban areas, and the South East of England has one of the highest proportions of businesses operating from home in England.

The impact of a lack of access to high speed broadband can be profound. This site aims to provide information and resources to support those people unable to access broadband services. We will provide:

·        Examples of communities helping themselves to broadband

·        Locations of internet services available to the public

·        Resources to support communities in establishing evidence of demand