by Nick Lillitos
nlillitos@thekmgroup.co.uk

Technology could help boost jobs and businesses in Maidstone at the touch of a superfast button – but residents need to take action right now.

That is the message delivered this week by council chiefs urging people to sign up for superfast broadband in a Make Kent Quicker campaign.
The county’s current network can be transformed, but only if people say they want such a service.

Kent County Council has already injected £10 million in upgrades and the government has pledged £9.87 million.

But providers say they will only invest the remaining £23 million needed to complete the task if there is evidence of demand.

Cllr Malcolm Greer, Maidstone council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said this week: “The council’s top priority is for Maidstone to have a growing economy with rising employment, catering for a wide range of skill sets.
“Access to fast broadband is essential for doing business, including the growing number of home-based ones.”

Maidstone council has produced a map of web connection speeds in the borough which contrasts the hot-spots with the not-spots.

According to the map, a few short miles make a big difference. For example, net surfers will have a swift service in Maidstone town centre, but will have to wait for their pages to load just down the road in Park Wood and Shepway.
But all this could be set to change.

Cllr Greer said: “If residents register their demand for faster broadband it will help to secure the investment needed to make Maidstone quicker.”

See this week's Kent Messenger for details about how to register for faster broadband.