Somerset Broadplaces helps individuals in rural parts of Somerset to experience and learn about the Internet and computers. PC-based equipment and a broadband connection is provided to selected communities at the venue of their choice. The venue could be a village hall, community shop or pub. Training courses are held in a variety of topics to equip individuals to make full use of the Internet. A major funder is Somerset Rural Renaissance, who have this page describing the project: http://www.somerset-rural-renaissance.co.uk/projects-somerset-broadplac…
Description of target users and groups
Somerset is a rural NUTS 3 county at the heart of UK's South West region, 240km from London. Its area is 3450 sq km and has a population of 498,093 and a population density of 1.3 persons/ha. There are over 300 rural communities in Somerset. Somerset Broadplaces has targeted 27 of these - chosen because each community demonstrated enthusiasm for the project that would not only ensure the intervention was well accepted but would also sustain the facility one the project finshes.
Description of the way to implement the initiative
Somerset Broadplaces is one project among the portfolio of projects run by the Connecting Somerset Partnership. This brings together public sector, private business, the voluntary sector and individuals to help Somerset benefit from information technologies. Somerset Broadplaces has a Project Steering Group, a Project Officer and a budget. In its early days, project delivery was run by a group of community volunteers, formed into a not-for-profit company. More recently project delivery has been carried out by the Community Council for Somerset, who have on-the-ground knowledge of Somerset's communities. Equipment and technical expertise has been provided by two local ICT suppliers. Training is delivered by a charitable trust, by a not-for-profit training organisation and by a local college of further education. Excellent project governance was our ambition from the start, using the most practical elements of the Prince 2 project management methodology. All information was available openly to the partners: finances, people resource figures, targets, project tasks and achievements, issue management and risk management. When corrective action was needed, this was done decisively and quickly with full agreement of the partnership.
Technology solution
Standard PCs are installed into the community location. ADSL connectivity to the internet, with free wifi access in the venue. Installation of phonelines has been necessary in some locations. Remote technical diagnosis with internet security and filtering.
Technology choice: Standards-based technologyMain results, benefits and impacts
27 Broadplaces have been established in rural communities. All communities running a Somerset Broadplace have reported real benefits in terms of individuals being more open to the web. Individuals have reported that the project has allowed them to start using the Internet for the first time. By the end of the project, over 600 individuals will have completed training.
Return on investment
Return on investment: Not applicable / Not availableTrack record of sharing
Outcomes of the Somerset Broadplaces approach have been shared both within the south west region of England and wider. The work of the Connecting Somerset Partnership was showcased at the 'Bridging the Broadband Gap' conference, Brussels, May 2007, as one of only 15 projects from across Europe presenting to the conference.
Lessons learnt
1. It is imperative that communities have the enthusiasm and capacity to drive forward the project. 2. A flexible approach such that local communities can use a different approach or branding, as long as the targets are met. 3. First class technical support is key.
Scope: Local (city or municipality)