Businesses in the county are being encouraged to take up or fight for access to broadband in a new campaign being launched in conjunction with the county council.

The Essex Broadband Partnership is being launched at Pontland's Park hotel and restaurant, Great Baddow on September 29 and has the backing of the county council working with East of England Development Agency (EEDA) and the regional broadband aggregation bureau ADIT.

This new partnership has two aims: to help get those communities and businesses not already connected via broadband online and helping get county-wide access for e-commerce and government.

Councillor Stephen Castle said: "The economic and social importance of universal broadband access really cannot be overstated.

"We at the County Council are committed to working further with our public and private sector partners to ensure that there is 100% broadband availability and maximum take-up, with our intention to have this in place by December 2005"

The event will feature several well-known companies including BT, Telewest and Broadband Now! as well as business organisations including Essex Federation of Small Businesses, Essex Chambers of Commerce and Essex E-Business Club.

If your business would like to become part of the partnership contact the Essex Broadband Partnership by email at isprogrammeoffice@essexcc.gov.uk

Published Friday September 17, 2004