Chloe Smith to discuss faster Broadband in urban and rural areas

Chloe Smith, Member of Parliament for Norwich North, will tomorrow be probing plans for faster broadband in the county, and wi-fi once more in the city.

Chloe is meeting Babcock Networks, a communications company seeking to set up a faster, more reliable Wi-Fi network in Norwich and rural parts of Norfolk. As part of the scheme, it is proposing a new Wi-Fi network project to run throughout Norwich by April 2010 which would give businesses and families the chance to log onto the internet while in the city centre. It will also seek to ensure that those living in more isolated parts of Norfolk are connected to the internet in order to promote social inclusion.

Chloe has in the past met with representatives from BT to discuss the problems many of her constituents face with slow broadband speeds and is interested to hear about Babcock's proposals.

Commenting on current internet speeds in the city, Chloe said: "Businesses and households in Norfolk - urban and rural alike - need reliable and affordable broadband. Along with a better rail service, Norfolk needs this kind of basic modern infrastructure. Norwich has in the past had wi-fi in the city centre and it's positive to hear of a possible return."

Chloe will also be joined by Keith Simpson, MP for Mid Norfolk, and Brandon Lewis, Conservative Spokesman for Great Yarmouth, at the meeting on Thursday.