Living and working in Kingswood North and Kingswood Warren Estates, I experience firsthand the limitations imposed by inadequate broadband services. As someone who runs an Artificial Intelligence company from home, stable and high-speed internet is not just a convenience; it is a necessity. The absence of reliable broadband severely impacts productivity, connectivity with clients, and overall business operations.

Many residents in our community are facing similar challenges. In today's digital age, access to fast and reliable internet is crucial for work, education, and even leisure. Unfortunately, our estates remain underserved, placing us at a significant disadvantage compared to surrounding areas equipped with modern fibre-optic infrastructure.

OpenReach, Road Committees, and Estate Management Companies have the power to change this situation. By supporting the installation of fibre-optic cables across Kingswood North and Kingswood Warren Estates, they can elevate our community’s standard of living, enhance property values, and attract potential new residents and businesses seeking contemporary amenities.

Statistics show that areas with high-speed internet access experience notable economic growth. According to a study by the Fibre Broadband Association, communities with fibre broadband exhibit a nearly 4% increase in property values and see dozens more softer benefits as our reliance on being connected grows constantly. Imagine the possibilities for Kingswood if our infrastructure is upgraded!

OpenReach will only approave this project, if the Estate management companies (Kingswood North and kingswood Heritage) support this.  They in turn need the Road committees to be supportive who in turn will relay on the residents to pay for the resurfacing of the road once it has been dug up to lay fibre cables down.  Lastly the KRA will also need to rubber stamp this for approval.

It's time for decision-makers to recognize that current connectivity speeds are not meeting the demands of modern life and business. The benefits of laying down fibre are clear: increased competitiveness, enhanced communal engagement, and a future-proof solution for all residents.

Join me in urging OpenReach, along with the other responsible road and estate management bodies, to take immediate action in facilitating the fibre installation process. Let's transform Kingswood into a hub of digital connectivity where businesses like mine, students, and families can all thrive. Sign the petition today and help us bring Kingswood into the digital age.