Words About Things

The telecoms regulator Ofcom has said that in order to keep up with the world market the UK needs high speed, fibre optic broadband. Unfortunately the cost of replacing the copper telephone line wires currently being used will be immense. Currently most connections (including wireless broadband) use phone lines which are slower than fibre optic cables.

High bandwidth services such as online video can struggle on slower connections although most broadband users don’t encounter problems. The issues may arise as what we do online changes whilst the infrastructure stays the same. A good internet infrastructure is vital for business as well as home users. A good wifi connection in public spaces is also important.

There continues to be some debate about who should be paying for the upgrade given the current economic climate. According to The Broadband Stakeholder Group (who advise the government) the cost could be £28.8 billion connect the entire country via fibre optic cables.

Locals in the Indian state of Mizoram are trying to overcome a plague of rats who attack their corn and rice. The Mizoram government have increased wages and food supplies to help the population who rely on farming for their income. The unusually wet monsoon season has lead to an increase of bamboo which in turn has lead to an increased number of rats.

The influx of rats in know locally as Mautam.  As the crop shortfall this year is expected to be up to 75%, each adult villager is given 2kg of rice per week.

“We have also decided to increase the weekly allotment of rice to the villagers so that they have enough to eat,”

Mizoram Home Minister Tony Tawnluia

The locals can earn two rupees per rat killed swapping the rats tails for the reward.

Villagers collect rat tails in Mizoram, India.

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