Parts of Cople have a reasonable broadband speed as our telephone exchange (Cardington) is not too far away. Woodlands Close often gets speeds of 6Mb which is good by national standards. However some parts of Cople and large parts of Bedfordshire have a considerably slower broadband line.

In the future even 6Mb will be slow as inevitably we will all want to receive more services (e.g. new online-only TV channels, video films, telephone calls, work-from-home) via the broadband line. Over time it will become congested and slower. Also even now the "older, slower" exchanges like Cardington are more expensive; typically today Cople residents are charged up to twice the telephone rental fee of faster exchanges.

Existing local business that need a fast service will also suffer. New businesses consider broadband speeds when locating premises and will be deterred from setting up locally. This impacts the revenue and prosperity for everyone in this area.

BT is embarked on a nationwide upgrade process but this will take many years. As each area is upgraded they will get faster links, more choice, more efficient businesses and lower costs. The quicker Bedfordshire gets upgraded the sooner we all benefit.

The Bedford Borough Council (BBC) needs to put pressure on the service providers to uprate the broadband lines in Bedfordshire earlier rather than later. It is in competition with other areas which, if not done, can seriously impact Bedfordshire businesses.

BBC urges as many people as possible to complete their online form. Add your voice to their campaign. It is quick, free and has no commitment.

ASAP please go to www.bedford.gov.uk/broadband and click the SIGN UP link half way down the page.