Earlier this year the Government commissioned a review into Next Generation broadband led by Francesco Caio, former CEO of Cable & Wireless. The review, published today, finds that in the "short term the case for major government intervention is weak" but there are no grounds for complacency - "government should act now to support investment in NGA". The report goes on to recognise the big role that local communities can play in facilitating next generation broadband deployment.

CBN welcomes the report. We are very pleased that the review recommends a role for us in creating the framework in which local projects can develop and flourish. We look forward to working with government, other public sector agencies, the private sector and community organisations to help turn these recommendations into reality and thus ensure that Britain remains at the forefront of the broadband revolution.

The press release and review summary can be downloaded here. 

Reports are coming in from a number of sources that PayPal have begun a review of accounts with UK social enterprises, voluntary organisations, and charities. However, they have taken a very narrow definition which seems to include only organisations registered with the Charities Commission; organisations which fall outside their definition appear likely to have their account frozen without notice. Since there is no mention of the Scottish counterpart, charities North of the border may need to watch out too!

Helen receives award from Cabinet Office Minister, Phil Hope

The awards ceremony, held in London on 24th July, is a Government backed awards showcase highlighting the best social applications of Technology. The awards set out to discover leading examples of social technology being used for positive change in communities, designed to "recognise everyday heroes who use technology to make a positive impact on the world around them”.

South Witham Broadband started in 2004 as a not for profit company, in response to the refusal of the leading national broadband companies to install broadband technology in the part of rural Lincolnshire in which South Witham stands. Helen Anderson, together with 3 other determined local residents, set about providing a broadband service for themselves. Four years later, South Witham Broadband is providing not only a wireless service locally, but also ADSL broadband services throughout the UK, specialising in difficult “long lines” other providers turn away.

[9 June 2008] The Ofcom Consumer Panel released a video to coincide with the Broadband Stakeholders Groups conference, "Beyond Pipedreams", effectively contrasting the experiences of UK broadband users with their counterparts in The Netherlands (OnsNet, Nuenen ) and the USA (Utopia, Utah ) who have access to Next Generation Broadband.