Importance to Norfolk

Find out why access to high speed broadband is important to Norfolk

Norfolk needs access to high speed broadband so it can continue to be recognised as a good place to do business and live. The number and quality of services, facilities and applications that businesses and individuals are able to access due to high speed broadband is increasing, and the benefits are rising exponentially.

As a county that is seen to be "remote" physically, high-speed broadband surpasses geography and allows businesses to be considered on the same level as their competitors based elsewhere. Because high speed broadband allows many businesses and individuals to work anywhere, the lifestyle and quality of the environment offered by Norfolk will attract more individuals, businesses and investment into the county. This is why Norfolk needs high speed broadband - to strengthen our work-life balance opportunities.

Below are some examples of benefits to Norfolk's economy, business, health, education, society and the environment.

Economy

A 2009 World Bank report studied the impact of broadband in 120 countries with the following results:

Economic Indicator	Results
Macro economic growth	Added growth to GDP of between 0.5% and 1.38%
Employment	Broadband added 1-1.4% to growth rate (1998-2002)
Number of firms	Broadband added 0.5-1.2% growth rate (1998-2002)
Housing rents	6% higher in areas where broadband available
Industry mix	0.3-0.6% additional establishments in IT intensive sectors

Business

Remain competitive

Increased innovation

Access to new markets

Home working

Video conferencing

Opportunities for the strong Creative Industries and Web Development and Technology business clusters in Norfolk to prosper.

Opportunitis for cloud computing.

Health

Telecare - is the continuous, automatic and remote monitoring of real time emergencies and lifestyle changes over time in order to manage the risks associated with independent living. Technology includes pendant alarms to systems that monitor the person's well-being, environment, or both, and which trigger - without, if necessary, the person's conscious involvement - a warning that the well-being has deteriorated or that an untoward event has occurred.

Telehealth - ability for doctors and hospitals to monitor patients at home using, for example, home units to measure and monitor temperature, blood pressure and asthma.

Telemedicine - is the practice of medical care using interactive audio visual and data communications. This includes the delivery of medical care, diagnosis, consultation and treatment, as well as health education and the transfer of medical data (World Health Organisation). This can all take place at a distance rather than face-to-face.

In June 2010, the UEA hosted a Telemedicine 2015 conference which saw World technology leaders in this field present their vision of the nature and role of Telemedicine services in healthcare delivery in 2015. Videos from the day are available to view through the link.

Education

Home learning

Virtual classromms

Improved communication between teachers and parents

Online research

Social

Online shopping- greater consumer choice

Multi-media opportunities:

Online gaming

Download videos/podcasts

Social media - facebook/ skype

Helps maintain quality of life

Environmental

Reduces travel

Ability to research the issues and solutions

Online metering

View Shaping Norfolk's Future Message Bank

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Importance to Norfolk

Find out why access to high speed broadband is important to Norfolk

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