Broadband internet connections are hailed as the cutting edge of technology, offering blistering download speeds for a flat fee. But only 20 per cent of telephone lines in Essex can carry the technology because they haven't been upgraded to carry broadband traffic.
The Essex Chambers of Commerce is now urging businesses across the county to make a united call for greater broadband coverage.
By joining the East of England Development Agency's (EEDA) demand for broadband campaign, companies can register their demand for the service online.
The EEDA will then be able to show phone companies where demand exists to improve chances of connection.
Gay Laight, of the Essex eBusiness Club said: "I strongly urge organisations to across Essex to join the Demand Broadband Campaign.
"Greater broadband coverage will have an enormous impact on the region's prosperity - It makes good business sense."
Barry Knight, a financial advisor who works from his home on St John's Green in Writtle, believes that broadband should be integral in business today.
He said: "The lack of broadband in Essex is a real problem for me. I often need to download large business files from the internet and at present it's just far to slow without broadband. I hope that the demand broadband campaign proves successful."
Those interested should go to the website www.demandbroadband.com to register their request for the technology.
Published Wednesday, January 15, 2003
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