Residents of Wokingham urged to take part in the broadband campaign

Wokingham Chamber of Commerce (WCC) has launched a broadband survey to arrive at the internet speed available in various parts of the county and to determine the ways to improve it.

Michael Noak of Finchampstead of the WCC, who runs a consultancy business from home is annoyed that with a broadband of speed as low as One Mbps he cannot make use of iPlayer or watch YouTube. The users in places like Finchampstead, Arborfield etc are at a disadvantage with the low speed internet.

John Redwood and Dr. Phillip Lee both MPs from Wokingham and Finchampstead respectively have assured to take up the matter with the parliament.

Noak informed that the survey will determine the ‘lowspots’ and the ‘nospots’ in the borough. The campaign is aimed at not to ponder over the past but to do something for the future.

He informed that those affected include students, residents in need of recreation and entertainment, small businesses and individuals working from home.

‘BT broadband’ with its ‘Infinity programme’ hopes to provide a broadband speed of 40 Mbps to the whole country, but Eversley Exchange, which serves Finchampstead is not in its list for up gradation till June of the year.

The survey expects the participants to answer to 18 simple questions. In short it asks
them of their intention of using the internet and whether they are able to run programs of their choice. They also have to answer whether they are able to get Skype and whether they can make video calls.