Broadband benefits Devon

Rural businesses in north Devon will reap the benefits of high speed computer connections with the installation of a new wireless broadband network.

The South West of England Development Agency (RDA) is to invest £90,000 in a £120,000 project to install six broadband aerials across the Devon side of Exmoor, in the remote areas around Lynton and Lynmouth, and across the wider countryside areas in north Devon. Each aerial will serve around a 15 mile radius.

The aim is to significantly improve connectivity to the internet via broadband and provide business users with a reliable service. Until now, provision has been unreliable and in some cases there is no service at all, due to the location of towns and villages, cabling issues and the distance from exchanges.

People taking advantage of the new system will need to install receiver dishes on their properties or businesses.

The investment from the RDA has been welcomed by North Devon District Council, which is leading the initiative and will finance the remainder of the investment, together with a contribution from West Somerset District Council.