Broadband boost for remote areas

Some remote areas of the Dales do not have broadband

Every household and business in Yorkshire and the Humber region will have access to high-speed internet by the end of 2005, it has been claimed.

Broadband technology is being installed in 24 telephone exchanges previously deemed not commercially viable.

Arncliffe, Goathland and Horton in Ribblesdale are among the villages set to benefit from the £2.2m project.

Regional development agency Yorkshire Forward is funding the scheme, working in partnership with BT.

Exchanges being upgraded Arncliffe Bilsdale Blubberhouses Brandsby Burnsall Coverdale Cracoe Edale (E. Mids) Goathland Hackness Horton in Ribblesdale Jervaulx Langtoft Lockton North Grimston North Stainley Nunnington Ramsgill Sawley Sykehouse Tibthorpe Rawmarsh Parkgate Wainstones West Heslerton

Up to 4,000 households and 800 businesses in remote areas of the region will be able to access to ADSL broadband once the exchanges have been upgraded.

Community groups that have already established networks in remote locations using alternative technologies will also have access to the improved services, the agency said.

Spokesman Jim Farmery said: "This investment means that almost every village and town in Yorkshire and the Humber has access to a minimum of ADSL broadband services and are well placed for future technology when it becomes available.

"The previous lack of established broadband services in rural areas need not be a barrier to businesses setting up and companies expanding."