London mayoral election 2016: London’s next mayor must put broadband connectivity at the top of the agenda
This Thursday, Londoners have a pretty important decision to make. One that will shape the way the city operates for years to come. The pressure is definitely on for London’s next mayor to improve the state of the current broadband infrastructure across the capital once elected. If the city is to continue being one of the world’s leading tech hubs, then the next mayor must put broadband connectivity at the forefront.
The broadband situation in London is hugely misunderstood. Whilst it’s true that we now have 90 per cent access to superfast broadband in London, it's the last 10 per cent of unavailability that's vital as it's in areas of the city where we need it most. We work with numerous businesses across the city, all of which have previously experienced connectivity issues that were hindering business operations.
Take one of our business customers, Preiskel & Co LLP, a law firm based in Canada. When they initially relocated to Temple, they were unable to find a broadband provider that met their needs. Despite the area housing many other law firms, one of the deciding factors for the office relocation, they were struggling with download speeds of 6Mbps. What they hadn’t realised before moving was that because the area itself dates back to 1677, they would be unable to take up any of the historical pavements to install wired internet – a problem that affects many parts of the city.
Another of our customers, Arancini Brothers, who serve up delicious Italian golf-ball sized risotto balls known as "arancini" to hungry Londoners, were experiencing issues with the connectivity of their credit card machines in Broadgate. With their pop-up reliant on a brisk and efficient trade for busy customers, it was starting to hinder their business. Our fast plug and play broadband helped to boost sales by 39 per cent.
We firmly believe London’s next mayor needs to support London SMEs more effectively by reassessing how more flexible broadband services can be offered going forwards.
In order to achieve this, certain things must be done:
Make sure tools like the Interactive Connectivity Map and Connectivity Ratings Scheme are widely known and used.
Last year, current Mayor Boris Johnson, launched an Interactive Connectivity Map, which roughly shows areas of both slow and superfast broadband coverage. It also allows residents and businesses to register their interest for faster broadband services and helps to create a clearer picture on where connectivity lacks
Buildings should be publicly rated for broadband speed
In Hong Kong, buildings are rated on broadband speed and these ratings are then listed on all property rental listings, which in turn encourages landlords to install better broadband. The next mayor could act on making these ratings happen
Businesses must come together on this issue
Rural communities have been successful in working together to get better broadband in their area. Why isn’t the same thing happening among business communities in London? Lobbying together should help ISPs to obtain permission for works on London streets and rooftops quicker
London’s tech community needs a forward-looking City Hall, which champions the growth of a dynamic industry that is undoubtedly forming an exciting future for our city. The technology sector represents the best of London business – driving innovation, job creation and economic growth across the capital. That’s why it’s imperative that broadband connectivity is top of the next mayor’s agenda.