'Superfast Broadband coming'

Audlem Online readers frustrated by their slow Broadband speeds will be pleased with news out today on the BBC's website.

Every community in the UK will gain access to superfast broadband by 2015 under plans due to be outlined. The private sector is to deliver broadband to two thirds of the UK. Other, mainly rural, areas will receive public funds to build a "digital hub" with a fibre optic internet connection.

Government Ministers says they aim for the UK to have Europe's best broadband network. This will create "hundreds of thousands of jobs and add billions to our GDP", says Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

The government has earmarked £830m for the scheme, with the money coming from the BBC licence fee.

Broadband speeds have been deteriorating in recent months according to a survey carried out in the Audlem area. Over 500 test results were obtained from the village and surrounding rural areas via Audlem Online and a report and summary sent to the UK's Digital Champion in the Cabinet Office, Martha Lane Fox.

We have not received a direct reply from Martha Lane Fox and have sent a reminder. Unfortunately, as yet, we have found no evidence whatsoever to show that this national roll out is the pleasing result of Audlem's survey. Rest assured, when we do, it will be published!

You can still cast your vote for Superfast Broadband via the Homepage. Voting may well help to push Audlem up the queue.

"We will be inviting local bodies and devolved administrations right across the UK to propose new testing projects in April of next year, with a view to making a final selection in May," Mr Hunt will say in a speech. Hopefully, that speech will announce target speeds way above the 2mbps previously indicated although that, at least, would be an improvement for many Audlem homes involved in our survey.

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