Digital Wirksworth is a group of volunteers who came together to promote opportunities for individuals and businesses and voluntary organisations to benefit from digital technology.

Broadband the first challenge

The first challenge was to ensure that broadband internet was available for the area. This was achieved after a hard fought campaign between November 2002 and November 2003. Services are now available in the great majority of the area by wireless via the service provided by Zycomm http://www.w3z.co.uk and supported by grants obtained by the not for profit company Wirksworth Connect.

For a long time BT was very unsure whether they would ever offer broadband in wirksworth, but following the arrival of the successful local wireless service BT suddenly had a change of heart!  Local people now have a wider choice of broadband offers than many people in urban areas!

Making best use of broadband

Following the success in gaining broadband for Wirksworth, the group moved on to seek ways of making sure that the Wirksworth area made best use of the new technology. March 2004 saw a lively Saturday seminar on Community Websites. Following a lively debate, lots of effort and a tiny budget Wirksworth.Net was born.  

Keeping in touch 

Digital Wirksworth has a lively online email group with over 50 members. Topics discussed range from the technical (web site design) to the local issues (who can get digital TV and local films). New members are very welcome. To join the group go to

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/digital-wirksworth/

Working with NOW - (New Opportunities for Wirksworth)

Digital Wirksworth has worked closely with the NOW project and supports its plans for local regeneration.