Hundreds of Sign-ups in Just Three Weeks

News release

11th July 2012

Hundreds of businesses in Lincolnshire are adding their voice to a campaign which aims to improve broadband services in the county.

Since the Broadband Means Business campaign was launched at the Lincolnshire Show on 20th June, 239 firms have registered with www.OnLincolnshire.org – and that list of businesses will then be used to lobby service providers to put a better infrastructure in place.

When the campaign began, just 545 businesses had put their name down calling for poor connectivity to be improved, but that figure now stands at 784.

Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Institute of Directors (IoD) are spearheading the campaign on behalf of Lincolnshire County Council.

Simon Beardsley, Chief Executive at the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Seeing so many businesses sign up at this early stage in our campaign sends a clear message – we want better broadband in Lincolnshire.

“While we are very happy with the results so far, there is a long way to go. Service providers will only sit up and take note if we raise that number to thousands, so we’re calling on all businesses in the county put their name on the list.

“The sign-up process is very quick and simple, and what takes a few minutes of your time to register could lead to faster and more reliable access to the internet that isn’t hampered by slow speeds.”

The initiative is part of Lincolnshire County Council’s Lincolnshire Broadband Plan, which aims to bring next-generation broadband (a minimum of 24Mbps) to 90% of county premises and a guarantee of at least 2Mbps by 2015.

To ensure as many businesses as possible have the chance to have their say, people with little or no broadband access can register on a public network computer at their local library or by completing a form which is available from Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, the IoD and the FSB.

Ends

Notes to editors:

• The Broadband Means Business Campaign is being spearheaded by the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Institute of Directors. It will run between July and November this year.

• Businesses can add their names to an online register calling for better services at www.OnLincolnshire.org. Those without access to the internet can still add their voice by calling Lincolnshire County Council’s Customer Service Department on 01522 782006 and giving their details.

Cerri Delaney
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
cerri@shootingstar-pr.co.uk
www.shootingstar-pr.co.uk
t: @cerridelaney

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