Business leaders are predicting a two-nation economy unless access to broadband internet is made available to everyone.

They fear inequalities in broadband access will start to affect the jobs market with businesses refusing to relocate to 'have-not' areas.

Broadband - a faster, continually-connected service, which enables large data files to be sent and received quickly - is only available in areas with a suitable phone exchange or cable network.

Now the West Sussex Economic Partnership (WSEP) is leading a campaign to increase the number of commercial properties with broadband in the county.

Chief executive Alistair Smith said: "Lack of access to broadband could create a two-nation economy in West Sussex, unless the broadband circle gets virtuous.

"Service providers can only invest in the areas where there is economic demand. Our aim is to stimulate that demand so broadband becomes available throughout the county.

"Connecting West Sussex is our message and we're determined to achieve that. Broadband increases productivity, creates business opportunities and can be very cost effective."

Only seven per cent of small businesses in Sussex are connected to broadband because of a combination of unwillingness and lack of availability.

Reports also suggest the growing number of homeworkers - big company employees required to work from home or independent sole traders - are being forced to migrate to enabled areas.

Thursday October 23, 2003