Lack of fast broadband and the problem of digital exclusion mean that many businesses and households in rural Norfolk are in urgent need of reliable internet speeds.

A recently-announced programme from five district councils across Norfolk, matched by central government, aims to provide superfast broadband to 95% of all premises in Norfolk by 2020. 87% of the county’s households and businesses can presently access a service of 24 Mbs or more, but Cliff Jordan, Leader of Norfolk County Council, says they “won’t be satisfied” until everyone in Norfolk can access a good broadband service.

At the recent regional Digital Divide Conference, attended by supporters of wireless internet provision, Digital Minister Matthew Hancock that how digital connections are achieved was less important than that they are achieved.

Nationally the roll-out is on track for 95% of all premises to be connected to fast broadband – but Norfolk is behind at 87% and so a focus on the practical solutions is needed. In particular, rural areas with no broadband need to be prioritised over other, perhaps urban, areas that are already connected but want improvement.

As the Minister put it: “What customers care about is connectivity.”

What then if you need fast broadband now to enable your business to compete in national and international markets, for your children’s homework, or to access on-line health and public service information? ThinkingWISP is the 21st century answer. ThinkingWISP transmits its broadband signal across Norfolk via a network of masts, avoiding the weak link – cables. There’s no need to wait for the latest fibre cable to come to the end of your road. And you don’t even need a landline!