Broadband project to benefit Devon businesses

A new broadband project could help 100 rural companies in Devon conduct more business on the web.

The £120,000 scheme will see six new broadband aerials installed across the Devon side of Exmoor to serve the remote areas around Lynton, Lynmouth and the North Devon countryside.

The South West of England Development Agency, which is contributing £90,000 to the project, says the investment will significantly enhance business opportunities for companies in the area, as well as encouraging new start ups.

Earlier broadband provision had been unreliable or non-existent and two 2006 studies had identified the lack of quality broadband access as a major barrier to business growth in Devon's rural communities.

Janet Kennedy of North Devon district council, which along with West Somerset district council will contribute the rest of the project's funding, said: "This technology provides a great opportunity for rural companies to be able to develop their businesses on a level playing field without being penalised because of where they live or run their business."

According to the Official for National Statistics, around 15 million homes in Britain have internet access, with 84 per cent using broadband.