Broadband Champions Step Up to Support Communities
A series of broadband webinars held by South Hams District Council to coach volunteers in how to support their local communities has been a resounding success.
Although the region will receive a large rollout of fibre to most homes and businesses, the more rural areas and communities may find it difficult to get connections due to their locations.
From across the District, 85 community champions have volunteered their time to support the broadband initiative. They will work alongside the Council to help identify issues and help their community improve their digital connectivity.
There is a wide range of broadband options on offer from numerous suppliers. However, connection in some rural areas is challenging and understanding what is available, suitable for your needs and how to access it is not always easy to understand.
To overcome this, the District Council has bid for unique funding through a government grant to support communities through the obstacles. They have employed a Community Digital Specialist for two years. The Specialist's role will be to improve digital connectivity and broadband coverage across the South Hams.
Led by the Council's Community Digital Specialist, the webinars had 30 volunteers in attendance, along with representatives from town and parish councils and elected District councillors.
Along with Connecting Devon and Somerset, a number of broadband providers were also at the session to answer questions, in attendance were representatives from; Airband, Skylight Broadband and RadioFibre.
The live webinars are just one way the Council is supporting the communities. The Digital Specialist will also engage with communities and aim to secure grant funding for ultrafast infrastructure.
If you are interested in becoming a broadband champion, please email: communitybroadband@swdevon.gov.uk