Benefit from broadband access
Feb 04 2003
The Government is expanding broadband technologies to help small businesses in rural areas and business people on the move.
Wireless hotspots, or wireless local area networks, enable broadband to be accessed by users of laptop computers without the traditional need for cables. This means it is much easier for laptop users to access broadband technology.
The hotspots are being installed in locations such as hotels, airports, train stations and coffee shops in areas across the UK. The Government is increasing the spectrum further by making licences available to internet service providers (ISPs).
Paul O’Brien, a UK online for business adviser in the Highlands and Islands area of Scotland, believes that these hotspots are just the start of a rollout of wireless technology that will give rural communities like his own broadband availability “of 95% by the summer of next year”.
He compares the wireless coverage that could be provided to the current coverage of mobile phone networks, with all but the most remote areas of the UK able to access broadband. Even people in these areas could potentially take advantage of satellite technology to access broadband.
At present, BT are the main providers of wireless hotspots, but O’Brien says that most telecom operators are looking into the technology.
Entrepreneurs who are benefiting from broadband access include more than 15 incubatees housed within London Business Innovation Centre’s Dagenham site, where BT has provided a £130,000 finance package to implement the technologies.
(4/2/03)
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