Swindon tries out superfast broadband
Swindon tries out superfast broadband
The Borough of Swindon has introduced the first 4G LTE network, backed by the local council this week. Local businesses and homeowners can opt in to the new super fast broadband, but it will come at a cost.
The 'Now Wireless Broadband', which is available to a total of 67,000 local residents and 2,600 businesses, costs from £21.50 per month to £40 per month for domestic use. Businesses will have to pay between £20.83 and £52.50 per month for their access.
The new project is expected to hep the local council make back some £400,000 it lost in a previous wi-fi project through Digital City. The new wireless network will be upgraded later in the month with a microwave network, which will mean access to fast internet for school, businesses and the council itself.
Garry Perkins, the local councillor and a cabinet member for regeneration and culture, said he did have confidence that the scheme will prove popular in the area. He told the Swindon Advertiser: “They have a very professional team on sales and marketing which will draw these customers in, so I don’t doubt that UK Broadband have got a very strong business plan based on involvement in the public sector and private sector.”
However, several experts have expressed concern that people won’t be willing to pay for the faster network. For example, political commentator Des Morgan said, “In fact what is on offer is interesting but hardly life-changing and it’s certainly not something many cash-stretched households in Swindon will be splashing £30 per month to have.”
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