Connectivity

Chambers East believe that digital connectivity, whether this is broadband or mobile connectivity is vital in levelling the playing field for all businesses in East Anglia. As a predominantly rural region, with significant road and rail infrastructure challenges, digital connectivity is a must.

A British Chambers of Commerce survey found that 70% of UK firms experience ‘not spots’, areas of no mobile coverage by any operator, or ‘partial not spots’, where there is some coverage but not from all networks, in their local area.

Mobile Connectivity

Chambers East have been campaigning for No More Not Spots and the rollout of 5G for mobile connectivity.

5G will offer faster download and upload speeds and enable more devices to simultaneously access the mobile internet. 5G’s ability to handle more data remotely means that it will become invaluable for businesses. A wide range of applications will be possible. For example:

  • 5G will help to optimise the performance, productivity and costs of manufacturing.
  • 5G infrastructures will reduce maintenance costs and downtime for machinery, utilities and energy.
  • 5G-powered technology will enable new immersive experiences as bricks and mortar stores incorporate digital features.

However, there is still a way to go in rolling out 5G across the East of England. Chambers East is working hard with Mobile UK (which represents the mobile network operators), local and national government to speed up the rollout.

Broadband Connectivity

Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme

The Government are still running a scheme designed to help those residents and businesses in rural areas access funding to support the installation of superfast broadband.  Home and businesses in rural locations which meet the following criteria can use vouchers to support the cost of installing new gigabit-capable connections when part of a group project.  

  • Existing broadband speeds are less than 100Mbps
  • A gigabit capable network isn’t likely to be built to that area commercially in the near future

Click here to find out if you are eligible to access this scheme.