Rural broadband is a real pain for residents

FRUSTRATED householders have complained of poor broadband services, calling for internet companies to make much-needed improvements.

They believe there should not be a choice between living in the countryside and having the internet, particularly with day-to-day life becoming increasingly reliant on online services.

Diane Broadley, of Church Road, Sundridge, is a self-proclaimed "silver surfer" who installed the internet in her home about two years ago, but rarely uses it due to the poor service.

"BT told me nothing can be done to improve services at the moment, which is a real pain," she said. "I only really use it for the email but even if I wanted to I could never download a film.

"And it would be absolutely impossible to get software downloads, like the Adobe program.

"I have been told this connection is as good as I can get but I really don't think it is good enough."

Sandy Mew, of Croft Road, Westerham, is furious about the quality of her broadband.

"I want to know why on earth the Westerham exchange still cannot support a decent level of internet connection," she fumed.

"It is unbelievable in this age of computerised technology, when the vast majority of the country is able to receive a decent level of internet access, Westerham is trailing far behind, at almost a standstill."

She said she is forced to pay high prices for a very poor service and often goes to her son's house in Redhill to use his instead.

"Because the Westerham exchange is so outdated, we the local consumer, are having to pay well above the monthly charges enjoyed by the rest of the country.

"I have to pay an additional £10 per month and can only receive up to four megabytes."

The Chronicle has also had complaints from people living in Sevenoaks and Stone Street.

Opus Network Services director Mark Tuvey, who helps businesses improve their internet connection from his office in St Johns, said he sympathised with homeowners.

"It is really all about distance," he explained. "If you are outside a certain area there is very little you can do. I live in Seal and my connection is fine but there are pockets, even in London, without internet connection."

Mr Tuvey explained broadband runs along copper wire from an "exchange", used for telephone services, many of which were installed a number of years ago.

A good connection can only be received within 3.5km of the wire and so in practice those living 2km away from an exchange may struggle.

Department for Culture Media and Sport scheme Digital Britain promises 40 per cent of UK homes are to have access to high-speed fibreglass tubes by 2012.

These tubes can carry a connection much further than copper wires, helping to reduce internet "not-spots".

All other areas of the country will then follow.

"It is not worthwhile for companies to just put in another exchange because there are simply not enough people to warrant the expense in those areas," explained Mr Tuvey.

He helps businesses improve their broadband service by setting up extra connections.

But he admitted most people would not be able to justify the expense, unless they were operating a business from home.

He suggested homeowners improve their internet speed using a wireless connection, which can be bought from 3G and costs £4.89 a month, although good mobile phone coverage is a must.

They can also buy a BT broadband accelerator which works by cutting down interference to the wiring, costing £1.20 postage and packaging for BT customers.

Do you have a problem with your broadband? email reporters@sevenoaks-chronicle.co.uk or call 01732228000.