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Dig where you live
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Each week, we become aware of new initiatives across EU and around the world which involve fibre optic networks. Sadly, in the UK, although we have enormous quantities of fibre beneath our feet, much of it remains dark and unused.
Fibre is the end game - it is unlikely that any other technology is likely to have the same capacity or longevity as fibre. Although many people have been led to believe that ADSL is 'broadband', the reality is that an asymmetrical technology with limited capacity cannot enable the services which are the true power of broadband. It is not about technology, it is about what you can do with it and we are losing the race to deliver high-speed symmetrical internet access and connectivity and enable our citizens and businesses.
"Dig where you live" is the latest campaign suggested by ABC co-founder Lindsey Annison. "The aim is to encourage people to realise that ADSL is not it, that we have a long way to go, and that at this rate, it could well be down to people power to bring true broadband to this country. We do not have to let the incumbents drip feed us bandwidth to suit their agendas, nor wait for the Government to implement the necessary strategies and regulations for true broadband. 'Dig for victory' in the broadband race might be literal at this rate!"
"What is required in this country for the well-being of UK Plc - that is, the businesses and citizens of this nation - is real broadband, not some half-baked obsolete technology".
Watch these films - take a while to download (don't even consider it if you are on dial up or ADSL lite). These are just two community driven projects from elsewhere in the EU. There is EU money behind them, and support from local Government and organisations, as well as local people.
EU
Sweden - http://www.citynet.nl/upload/Bredband4eng.mpg
Neunen - http://www.emtelle.com/?id=464
US
Utopia - http://www.utopianet.org
Gigabit or Bust - http://www.cenic.org/gb/
Then consider what you could do along these lines in your neighbourhood and remember the telcos aren't in a hurry to give you unlimited bandwidth or FTTH because it will affect their business plans. It will accelerate the need for investment now, slow the returns and cause their shareholders to shudder. But imagine the gains for you, your business, your family, your neighbourhood, UK plc etc of real broadband delivered by real people.
Join our campaign and let's dig where we live.
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