A THIRD of Somerset businesses which have already responded to a Somerset Chamber of Commerce broadband survey experience daily drop-outs in their internet service.
Buffering causes major problems for many, while almost a quarter of the respondents, so far, reported problems simply sending or receiving emails. Half of those who had completed the survey, to date, said their existing internet speed was already restricting their business.
Somerset Chamber launched the survey with ultra-fast broadband provider Truespeed to find out if the county’s current internet provision was hampering growth and whether slow speeds were causing problems for day-to-day transactions and operations.
Poor internet connections have long been highlighted as an issue by Chamber members and the survey will be used to help identify problem areas and to lobby for improvements.
The survey is available online via the Chamber’s website at www.somerset-chamber.co.uk and will remain open until 23 September.
All businesses which take part in the survey will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win an iPad donated by Truespeed.
The full results of the survey will be officially presented at Somerset Chamber’s Digital Trends and Tech Innovation event at Strode College on Wednesday, 2 October.
Stephen Henagulph, Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce (pictured, left), said: “Businesses across Somerset consistently tell us that poor broadband services are hampering their business growth.
“The aim of the survey is to discover where the main problem areas lie to enable the Chamber to lobby for improvements and to help businesses find solutions to their internet issues.”
Jez Allman, Sales Director of Truespeed (pictured, right), said: “The South West’s current lack of infrastructure leaves businesses unable to cope with increasing online demands.
“Businesses rely on online systems to operate efficiently, therefore, reliable connectivity is becoming increasingly important for businesses to succeed.
“We’re thrilled to be part of the survey that aims to understand online businesses needs whilst raising awareness on how connectivity can impact the South West’s economy.”
More information about the survey and the digital event in October is available on the Chamber website at www.somerset-chamber.co.uk.
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