Are you struggling with your broadband, fed up with low speeds or, even worse, in a “notspot”? George continues to support the push for better broadband provision across the constituency and has found another example of an innovative scheme that provides a possible solution.

George and Geoffrey Van Orden MEP visited St Peter and St Paul church in Carbrooke, near Watton, to see how the local WiSpire scheme is set to increase broadband speed from 0.5mb/s to up to 8Mb.

George said: “Better broadband is crucial to Norfolk’s economy and community. Far too many homes and commercial properties are stuck without basic broadband either too slow or ‘notspots’. Our economy can lead the economic recovery but, it is absolutely critical for rural businesses to have access to good broadband services and many simply can’t wait. Innovative local schemes such as this are crucial in providing the broadband coverage that is needed alongside the ongoing work of BDUK / County Councils and BT.”

Families from the area have been able to sign up with WiSpire for £13 a month. The project is a joint venture between the Diocese of Norwich and FreeClix, a Norwich-based internet service provider, using a signal emitted from transmitters in the church tower.

WiSpire will provide increased broadband speeds in areas not yet covered by national plans for faster broadband delivery.

Since becoming a candidate in 2007, George has been a driving force behind championing the need for better Broadband in Mid Norfolk. He successfully campaigned in 2010 and 2011 with Norfolk County Council and other MPs for a £15 million grant from Broadband Delivery UK, which was matched by Norfolk County Council. He continues to support the NCC / BDUK Scheme, but says: “we can’t sit on our hands and wait for BT to reach every village in Mid Norfolk. We need innovative local schemes such as WISpire to help fill the broadband void and complete the final mile.”