When you are surfing the Internet at home it can be incredibly frustrating if your computer is running slowly. But it is more soul-destroying for businesses experiencing the same difficulties because their livelihoods depend on it. So, it is good news to learn that Oxfordshire County Council is taking the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK project seriously and is investing £3.86m to bring superfast broadband to rural areas.

Wallingford and surrounding villages have been chosen for a pilot project, following lobbying from RAF Benson and Ewelme Parish Council.

So, from the summer, residents and businesses in some areas will have the option to upgrade to superfast broadband.

For local firms, the innovation will help them to stay competitive in an age when the focus is moving away from the traditional high street.

When new technology works well, it can be extremely effective but old-fashioned means of communication should not be dispensed with just yet.

If there are times when you cannot get an Internet connection, having a conversation is still a good option.