Using technology...

Posted By: Mark Birkett
Date Posted: 03/01/2007

Dear fellow Rochdalian

I believe that it is vital for every RMBC Councillor to use the Internet to get their message across to the people of Rochdale. It is also vital that all politicians - local and national - use the Internet to revitalise their relationship with the voting public and get people to participate in the debates of the day again. The same will soon come true with mobiles as hi-speed broadband-on- the-move (the holy grail of the 'net) becomes a reality.

Much more importantly, Rochdale might do well to consider creating a free wireless ("wifi") hotspot right across the town so that anyone can access the Internet at high speed, 24 hours a day whilst doing business here. It would provide a huge boost to the regeneration efforts that the town so desperately needs.

The Police and other emergency services could use it too. So could the communities thus-far digitally disadvantaged across the town. Rochdale Radio and Rochdale TV could be realities providing work and generating a name for the town as an innovator.

Perhaps ZEN or some other ISP could be persuaded to agree a business model with the Council that would work financially for everyone?

Cllr Mark Birkett