Service Description: A consultation is currently being run in order to seek the level of interest in superfast broadband across the Island. The Isle of Wight Council has secured funding from Government to help pay for the installation of superfast broadband across the island. This will mean that the Island can have world class, leading edge communications and entertainment services. However, the funding can only be spent where there is real demand for superfast broadband and we want to spend the money wisely. By completing a short survey, you will help inform our plans for installing superfast broadband and bringing these advanced services to you.
Also known as:- Broadband
Answer: With such a large number of rural areas on the Island, Superfast Broadband will help to ensure those rural communities are not left behind in terms of a modern Information Technology infrastructure and are at less of a risk of a digital divide forming when compared to urban areas. The benefits of Superfast Broadband are numerous, not only for rural areas but the Island as a whole. For example: • Increasing access to public services such as: health, employment and leisure etc; • Running businesses from home and homeworking; • Business start-ups will have lower costs; • Communities can create local jobs, even in remoter rural areas; • Environmental costs are lower – less travel, less paper; • Individuals can connect within their communities and beyond, even if they are not mobile; • School children can access educational material and services from home; • Attracting new business to the Island due to a stronger IT infrastructure, creating jobs and investment on the Island.