Broadband can slow down small firms

Broadband connections may be slowing down rural small businesses rather than speeding them up, according to research from Brunel University.

A study by Brunel's Broadband Research Centre found that, while broadband speeded up city firms, rural businesses actually performed tasks significantly slower after switching to broadband. In one case work was slowed by over 10 per cent.

"When signing up for broadband technology, businesses should consider appointing information systems broadband experts to help the company to exploit all the benefits," said Dr Jyoti Choudrie, operations director at the Brunel Broadband Research Centre.

"This role should include training staff and handling technology problems that may arise. Without this, it will be difficult for them to maximise all broadband benefits and develop a competitive edge."

The report highlighted cases where misunderstandings about broadband's use were sometimes a problem. One company saw no increase in efficiency because it emailed information as well as sending it through the post.