Helpdesk: Heartfelt plea for availability of broadband during the Fringe

Published on 21/07/2012 14:41

Q Since 2002, me and my company, Inbrook, have brought 135 shows to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and over this time have had many, many experiences with the beehive that is Edinburgh in August. But there is one phenomenon that still completely mystifies me.

Every summer over 500,000 people from all over the world arrive in town to present their theatrical wares, party, make connections, buy and sell, and we all stay in housing of some shape or form. This abode usually has a bed, a bath, some place to cook and sit, but it often does not provide for an equally basic need, namely easy, fast internet connection, aka broadband.

No, it’s not a luxury, but just as essential as eating and sleeping. For us performers, promoters, press people and punters it’s up there with “to be or not to be”.

Am I being dramatic? Well, yes, but the reality is that time after time I have to reject an amazing flat for the Fringe because, eg, the broadband gets cut off during August. Cost cannot be the reasoning behind this at an average price of £12 a month.

The world is wired, and we who follow the festival circuit need the global reach at all times.

Calvin Wynter managing director, www.Inbrook.com, New York

AA spokesman for the Fringe Society says: “Every year an increasing number of Fringe participants want access to the internet as a component of their accommodation requirements, and for those participants we would advise them to check with the landlord what is available in their chosen property before signing a contract.

“Of course, all Fringe participants can access the Fringe Society’s participant centre – Fringe Central – where they can have unlimited access to free wi-fi for the duration of the 2012 Fringe.”

l If you have a consumer issue that you would like tackling, contact Claire Smith on 0131 620 8511 or e-mail [e-mail].