While doing xPRESS Digest I came across this story from the Rural Community Gateway

National Park offers internet access for Scotland Rural Development Programme

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority are offering free internet access for communities and land managers who want to find out more about funding opportunities under the Scotland Rural Development Programme...As many rural communities do not have a good broadband connection, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority are providing assistance to those that need a faster broadband connection to the SRDP website.

I'm sure it's a valuable service, but it's amazing that in 2008 we need to provide 2 computers (that you have to book in advance) so that managers can find out about funding opportunities.

Should broadband be an essential service like water or electricity - a right even, not a privilege...and if so how do we go about doing it properly?