Whilst some of you will be reading this column in our local paper, others may be reading it online. Thankfully, even the slowest broadband connection will download articles like this one quickly.
Sadly, we’re used to slow broadband in parts of East Devon and I spoke about the struggle to speed up connections in Parliament recently. It was a debate about the roll-out of superfast broadband in Devon & Somerset held in Westminster Hall, which is a smaller, cosier chamber to the one we see usually see on TV.
Westminster Hall debates provides an opportunity for MPs to hold a debate on an issue of their choosing, inviting other MPs to have their say ahead of a response by the Minister who looks after the issue behind the debate.
I made the point that for far too long, East Devon has suffered from delayed contracts and patchy upgrades. It can’t be right that some of us in East Devon are still unable to make a video call or watch a TV programme using a decent internet connection. We need better connections, especially as more of us are working from home.
The roll-out of superfast broadband has been hampered by companies who failed to finish the job. However, I’m very hopeful for the future. Connecting Devon & Somerset are working to get more communities connected and companies including Jurassic Fibre are doing a great job to bring faster services to places left behind by previous plans.
The internet is an amazing thing. However, we shouldn’t come to rely on it for everything, especially when we have an enviable selection of high streets across East Devon. It was Small Business Saturday on December 5th and I really enjoyed visiting local shops and cafes in Exmouth, Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Topsham and Ottery St Mary.
As a typical bloke, I often leave my Christmas shopping to the last minute. This year, I’ve made a promise that I’ll only buy gifts from local shops. After a difficult year, our high streets need our support and I hope you’ll also choose to shop local this Christmas.
This column first appeared in the Exmouth Journal on Wednesday 9th December, Sidmouth Herald on Thursday 10th December, and Midweek Herald on Friday 11th December.