CPS Deputy Chairman Tessa Keswick today wrote to the Financial Times about reliable internet connections across the country, in response to George Osborne’s call for a ‘technical driven industrial strategy’.
“Sir, It is to be welcomed that last week George Osborne set out his vision of “a technology driven industrial strategy for the UK to become Europe’s technology centre”; and in a further announcement you report, Sir, that Martha Lane Fox is appointed the new tsar to encourage “small companies to harness the potential of the internet” across Britain (“Lane Fox to lead web push focusing on small companies”, April 23)
The question is, what technology and what internet?
In the Vale of Pewsey, Wiltshire, one hour from London, we cannot get reliable internet connection despite the fact my husband runs a large company, nor can we get mobile phone access. Intermittent internet access throughout the area is the name of the game. Mobile phone conversations have to be conducted under a bush in the garden. It is the same story where we holiday in Scotland in both the counties of Dumfries and Angus. There is absolutely no access. And this is too often true throughout the country where businesses struggle.
It is not hard to find the reason. Wholly inadequate BT copper lines are patched by gallant engineers. Regulations prevent BT from rolling out the necessary fibre optic cables fit for a “European technology centre”.
The chancellor is right to espouse an “industrial strategy” which will ensure growth and will be hugely popular. He is right to appoint his tsar but do let us have a policy which is reliably delivered, not just announced!”
To view the full article, visit the Financial Times website (£).
Date Added: Thursday 26th April 2012
