INCREASING the penetration of broadband internet connections throughout west Hertfordshire would be beneficial for all businesses offering online purchasing, according to a Sarratt-based consultant.

Mr John Griffith, of The Briars, Sarratt, is an Internet consultant and a partner in software company Redblocks.com.

He has been campaigning for BT to provide broadband access for his area and recently set up an online petition to gather names of neighbours who also want to see the introduction of broadband connections.

Mr Griffith said his productivity at home is hampered by delays in processing information through a conventional telephone line connection.

He said the introduction of broadband would have an "enormous" benefit for his own business and other online services since he would be able to make greater use of online commercial services.

He said: "I would do a lot more shopping online and an awful lot more people would be able to make use of these services.

"Broadband equals greater efficiency for business."

To sign the online petition, visit www.sysadmins.co.uk and click on the link called "fill out our petition".

While Mr Griffith continues to campaign for broadband access, shoppers in The Harlequin shopping centre in Watford were last week invited to learn more about broadband services from a promotional stand by telecommunications service provider One.Tel.

The exhibition was part of a national drive by the company to demonstrate the speed of connection.

January 27, 2003 12:00