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sector: learning & skills/community |
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location: South Witham, Lincolnshire |
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technology used: wireless communications, email |
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website: www.southwithambroadband.org.uk |
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In the meantime, they decided that rather than sit back and wait for everything to happen, they would do something about their problem themselves. |
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One of their first decisions was to look for other cost effective means of getting high speed Internet access to their village using wireless technology. |
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Their first target is a high speed mobile internet café that will be totally wireless, enabling the equipment to be taken out into the community and brought back at the end of the day. They are hoping to launch this project, which they believe is the first of its kind in the UK, in December 2003. |
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By being mobile the team will provide all members of the community with high speed Internet access, at an affordable £2 per hour, as well as the new and valuable learning opportunities it will bring. |
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The campaign group particularly hopes to encourage young people to take part as both users and volunteer helpers, using their leisure time more productively and positively. The unemployed will also be encouraged to participate and helped to learn new skills. And experienced volunteers from the community will give advice and guidance on computer applications to those who wish to start new businesses. |
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They are also looking to take the service into homes of the infirm and housebound. The Lodge Trust, for example, is a day and residential centre for people with learning disabilities, and they hope the mobile café will aid them in their fund raising activities. |
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The project is making excellent progress, with donations already received from Microsoft, Suse Linux, Symantec, Serif and 1 & 1, as well as many local businesses and individuals. The Parish Council is supporting the project with practical help as well as a donation, and the Countryside Agency and The Community Council of Lincolnshire have also offered grants. |
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The campaign group believes this project will have a real impact on the quality of life in their village and its surrounding areas, and it will provide real and sustainable benefits to those living in the rural community. |
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For more information about the South Witham Broadband Campaign umbrella group and associated initiatives then why not visit the sites below: |
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Southwitham.net for news around and about the village
Wireless South Witham for a detailed look at the wireless project
South Witham Broadband for an overview of all local broadband community issues
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