THE desire to have a fast and reliable broadband connection is higher than ever among both businesses and residents.

Super-fast broadband is now a requisite, not a luxury.

But here in Lancashire there are far too many places, particularly in our rural areas, where the connections are just not up to speed.

The authorities know that this is a major issue and makes the difference between top firms locating to this area or going elsewhere.

And with more home working and people running small businesses from their residences the demand for swift broadband has become an essential.

The level of priority that has been given to securing next generation broadband in Lancashire is welcome.

It could cost £60million to role out just an initial project in some of the worst-served areas.

Funding schemes are now under way to make the dream a reality by 2014 and for many people that will not be soon enough.