Rural communities such as South Walsham are set to benefit from improved broadband connection in 2016. Chamber member, WiSpire is preparing for a period of rapid expansion, following the recruitment of 6 new employees.
WiSpire uses church towers as a platform to deliver high speed wireless broadband internet to local businesses, schools and residents, in areas where broadband speeds can often be poor. The company is investing in upgrading the existing transmitters and providing extra capacity in its network, which will help support a significant increase in customer numbers. It will be targeting growth in areas such as South Walsham, Woodbastwick and Happisburgh.
Steve Maine, CEO of WiSpire said:“Other players say that market penetration in Norfolk is high and that fibre is cutting the mustard. In our experience this is not the case for rural communities. Our service will reach out to those not-spots providing much needed connectivity to those people who otherwise wouldn’t get it.”
Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber said:“One of the Chamber’s key campaign areas is to improve digital connectivity across Norfolk. For Norfolk businesses to compete on a level playing field with the rest of the UK, they need to have access to quality high speed broadband. Whilst the rollout of the Better Broadband for Norfolk is bringing hope to many Norfolk businesses, however the more rural areas are proving challenging and may take longer to receive upgraded broadband. Innovative organisations such as WiSpire can provide an excellent alternative broadband solution.”
