FROM THE EDITOR

 NEW PRINTERS

Fulfords, after many years of good service to Lympstone, cannot print our Herald any more.  However, Optima Graphics of Topsham have kindly volunteered to replace them on a trial basis.

 BROADBAND FOR ALL?

In brief, broadband allows one to access the Internet at high speed whilst simultaneously using the same line for phone calls.  I know of at least four people in the older part of the village and many in other areas who have decided that broadband would be useful. More people will undoubtedly follow. Cost vary almost daily but for internet users are similar to having a second telephone line – approximately £80 installation charge + line rental of approximately £25 per month (including ISP/connection charges of £15 per month if you do not have broadband) with the added advantages of being able to surf or receive and send emails at high speed on broadband or having two simultaneous telephone conversation if you have two ordinary telephone lines.  (For just £50 for a camera and microphone you can have a second conversation with a video link via the internet even without broadband)

BUT current reports seem to indicate that BT are only supplying broadband to those in Lympstone living on higher ground ie you are unlikely to get it if you live in the older part of the village.  Since this is not a wireless service it could indicate that only those with newer telephone lines are getting it.

One alternative could be Midband with data rates up to 128kbps. I know that it is far from the 576kbps of broadband and BT say that it is not currently available, at least in Devon, but the only other alternative, a pricey satellite service, seems to be just as far away. Do not hold your breath BUT according to e-Government Bulletin, six councils -- Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire -- are keen to get an £80m grant from the European Investment Bank to fund a project providing wireless Internet!  Even if you do not want broadband today, it is important you register your interest with BT.

 At the moment, in response to most queries from Lympstone they say “Your exchange has broadband ADSL. However, the length of the telephone line between you and the exchange is too long for broadband ADSL.”  BT can change this. I have it in installed in Greenhill Ave, why can’t you?

Chris Carter

 TREASURE HUNT

Family Fun Treasure Hunt in aid of the Lympstone Parish Church on Saturday 7th June 2003. Starting at the Church Room up School Hill - from 2:30 - 5pm.

  

DEADLINE FOR THE JUNE HERALD - THURS THE 15th OF JUNE - 10am.