Then come along to the Mid Norfolk Rural Broadband Seminar on Friday 17th May at Barn Ruche, Watton, IP25 6RN (1800 – 2000).

The seminar will consist of presentations from three local innovative broadband provides; Rural Broadband, ITSwisp and WiSpire, and an update from the Say Yes to rural Broadband Campaign, followed by an audience participatory Q&A Session.

I believe that Rural Norfolk is being held back by poor telecoms and broadband. Our areas has hundred of micro businesses and self-employed entrepreneurs working close to home, young people who need remote access to learning and job opportunities, families and pensioners who need to access to e-health. Come and find out about how these three schemes may provide you with the solution to your broadband needs.

Rural Broadband provides Tooway satellite broadband and also the innovative WiBE 3G routers. Tooway will give speeds of 20 meg down and 6 meg up from £30 a month. The WiBE HS21 is available in indoor and outdoor versions, and uses the 3G network which is available in more of the UK than many users think.

ITSwisp is the brainchild of InTouch Systems, a local independent IT solutions provider based in Norwich. They have installed a meshed wireless internet system covering large parts of rural Norfolk. Use of a meshed system is vitally important because if a link fails or becomes congested; an alternate link is automatically selected, ensuring a dynamic, flexible and reliable network. The ITSwisp broadband network launches live with sites covering large areas around Norwich, Beccles and Bungay, Fakenham, Holt, Caister, with Wymondham following soon.

WiSpire is a joint venture between the Diocese of Norwich and a company called FreeClix. For only around £2000 they can put transmitters and receivers on top of Norfolk churches and use them to send out broadband signals across the county. Each transmitter can deliver up to 8mbps of high speed wireless broadband internet access to local businesses, schools and residents in areas where speed is currently poor. It’s ideal for small rural Norfolk villages – all they need is a church with a tower or spire and at least 25 households who don’t want to wait for the roll out of faster broadband access to reach them.

To confirm your place, please let me know at: george.freeman.mp@parliament.uk