INTERNET
Here comes the Digiwagon
09-05-2006
by Maxim Kelly
Broadband provider Digiweb is taking to the information superhighway, jump starting its broadband promotion initiative with the launch of its broadband truck.
Dundalk-based Digiweb unveiled its shiny new "Broadband Experience" road show big-rig on Tuesday. The truck will be taking to the road soon in a bid to conquer the broadband blackspots of Ireland.
The "mobile learning environment" will travel the country to showcase all of Digiweb's broadband technologies including Metro, wireless broadband, DSL and satellite broadband. The state-of-the-art lorry will allow people to experience broadband through on-board computers. The firm said it hopes to increase general awareness of the technology around the country.
"There are many arguments put forward as to why broadband adoption is low in Ireland, but we at Digiweb aim to resolve the issue of education and relevance. This road show will bring broadband to the people and will demonstrate just how broadband can be used from communications to games and entertainment," said John Quinn, head of strategic development at Digiweb, in a statement.
Beyond its use as an educational (and presumably, sales) tool, Digiweb has further plans for the Digiwagon. It will also be made available to promoters, media events, and festival organisers. A Digiweb statement proclaimed the vehicle ideal for customers such as concert promoters who need a portable working and media environment which supports broadband access anywhere in Ireland.
Not to be outdone, Cork City Council is rolling out its own mobile broadband truck in a fortnight to educate Corkonians on the merits of high-speed internet connections for businesses and citizens.
Catherine Kelly of the council's Community & Enterprise section told ENN that the vehicle will bring computer tutors into neighbourhoods to teach people how to use the internet.
"We distributed 50,000 leaflets before Christmas called 'What is Broadband?' and now we are going to show people how useful broadband is, especially for accessing local authority services without having to call City Hall," she said.
Cork is ahead of the pack in this regard, although Kelly said other councils and county enterprise boards, noticeably Donegal, are also aiming to increase broadband awareness.
Speaking in Galway last month, Communications Minister Noel Dempsey stressed that poor broadband penetration in Ireland was not just about regulation, but depends on consumer demand.
"We must stimulate that demand by clearly communicating the benefits to everyone," he said. With this in mind, the Minister announced that his department and ComReg would hold an event later this year aimed at "incentivising" dial-up internet users to upgrade to broadband.
A report issued by ComReg in February also called on broadband providers to be more "creative" in rolling out their products across the country.
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