Rural businesses and communities are being given the chance to find out how they can get better broadband at an event in Kelso next week.
The free event, running from 10am to 3pm on Wednesday, May 8, is being put on by the Southern Uplands Partnership at the Cross Keys Hotel.
Pip Tabor, project manager at the partnership, said: “Rural communities will increasingly depend on the presence of online businesses if they are to remain vibrant and attract and retain younger people.
“The modern tourist will expect to be able to receive services online wherever they are, and the novelty of lack of signal or broadband connection is likely to quickly become a significant issue for potential visitors.
“This event seeks to increase awareness of these issues and some of the solutions to them.”
He added that although efforts were being made to extend superfast broadband to 90 per cent of the UK population, it was likely that more remote and rural areas would be left out, meaning they need to take action themselves to get better connected.
Those attending will be able to hear from groups who have already helped themselves, and from organisations who can offer support and funding.
For more information visitwww.sup.org.uk or contact 01750 725154.