Shropshire Chamber of Commerce backs plans for 'game-changing' rural broadband rollout
Potential plans to bring a new broadband network to Shropshire have been backed by the county's chamber.
Shropshire Chamber of Commerce is supporting plans to bring Amazon's low Earth orbit (Leo) broadband network to the county, describing it as a potential game-changer for rural connectivity.
The initiative uses thousands of satellites to deliver fast, reliable internet to areas that have long struggled with poor coverage.
The chamber says this represents a major opportunity, especially in a county where many businesses and households remain at a disadvantage because of slow or inconsistent broadband, particularly in rural and remote areas.
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Chief executive Ruth Ross has already held meetings with Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley and representatives of Shropshire Council in a bid to help lobby for the service.
Amazon Leo promises download speeds of up to 1Gbps, offering rural enterprises the chance to compete on a level playing field with those in urban areas.
The chamber believes this could unlock new growth in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, agri-tech, tourism and digital services.
Ms Ross said: "Connectivity is no longer a luxury - it is a necessity for competitiveness, education and community wellbeing.
"At Shropshire Chamber, we have long been championing a future where every business in Shropshire, regardless of location, can access the tools they need to thrive.
"Leo broadband would not replace existing services everywhere but the chamber said it would offer a powerful complement for the hardest-to-reach locations where need was greatest."
Amazon is due to provide further updates early in the new year and the chamber is hoping to speak to the online retailer and tech giant about its project in late January.
Ms Ross added: "We encourage members to take a look and share with anyone who might benefit from improved rural connectivity.
"This has the potential to be an exciting step forward for Shropshire businesses and communities.
"Reliable broadband is critical for growth and innovations like Leo networks could help close the digital divide in our county."
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