Dr Phillip Lee says super-fast broadband a major concern for SMEs

Fibre optic broadband access is a major concern for businesses in Crowthorne, Finchampstead and Sandhurst, according to Bracknell MP Dr Phillip Lee.

Writing for the Wokingham Times, the politician acknowledged that fast internet access is "absolutely essential" for many people, but is particularly important to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

It is in everyone's interests that SMEs are able to take advantage of high-quality broadband, as these firms play a key role in supporting the local economy, he said.

Consequently, Dr Lee argued it is "unacceptable" that some parts of the Thames Valley are stuck with "woeful" broadband and mobile coverage, despite the area being home to more than ten per cent of the world's biggest ICT firms.

"Businesses need every resource available to them if the UK is to start growing," he remarked.

BT began the rollout of fibre optic broadband in Finchampstead in July, bringing the technology to more than 4,500 homes and businesses.