Crossbone Systems

When I read Ryan Carson’s post about the UK having everything it needs to foster new businesses, especially those that are web or technology-based, I was in full agreement. However, having made the trek from Cambridge to the docklands area of London today, I can state that there is one thing that is sorely missing (and has been for several years): easily accessible wi-fi that doesn’t cost the earth.
A quick overview of my day:

• Cambridge train station - no wifi
• 1 hour train journey to London - no wifi
• ExCeL public concourse area - no free wifi
• ExCeL exhibition hall - no free wifi
• London King’s Cross train station - no wifi (I’m not a first class customer)

To summarize, I had no way to access the Internet on my laptop without handing over a hefty monthly subscription to one (or more!) providers. All I needed was enough access to check my email and post some content to my website, and I only need it 2 or 3 times a year (for conferences). But it wasn’t to be. The ExCeL centre own provided wi-fi actually requires that you call a sales hotline - not very useful when you’re trying to post notes during a talk!

Exactly how are we meant to be taken seriously as a country that wants great technology companies to thrive when a startup founder can’t even check his email at a startup conference? Of all places, you’d think that a huge conference centre in the capital city might be a place that you’d find free Internet access, especially when the entire conference is designed to help foster early-stage businesses whose ability to trade can often be dependent upon their online activities.

While it’s easy to level criticism squarely at the BStartup organizers, it’s my experience that over-charging for wireless network access is a scourge that is completely endemic in this country and something needs to be done about it.

NB:- I should add that at FOWA last year, superb wi-fi access was provided for the full duration of the conference. Maybe the BStartup organizers need to have a word with Ryan and his team.

I’m pleased to announce the official launch of the Cambridge Web Heads social network.

Cambridge Web Heads is a new virtual community for web designers, developers and entrepreneurs in Cambridgeshire area of the UK.

As well as forum discussions, it’s a place to learn new skills and share your professional experiences of working with the web. With the profile features and personal blogging capabilities, it’s easy to network and exchange ideas with local professionals.

See you in the forums!

I’m going to be in London on April 25th, attending Business Startup 2008. I’m not sure how web or technology oriented it’s likely to be, but the programme looks like it has plenty of interesting talks.

If anyone reading the blog is heading there, post a comment here or send me an email; it’ll be good to say hi and talk about any ways we can work together.