York business delivers high-speed broadband to regional firms

Businesses in York could have easier use of VoIP solutions as a telecoms firm based in the city will provide high-speed broadband to the region.

York Data Services has invested £275,000 in direct two-gigabit fibre optic links between York Science Park and the national internet hub in London's Docklands, which will be used to supply businesses in and around York with faster broadband access, reports the Yorkshire Post.

The firm's intention is to encourage greater corporate investment in York and the provision of faster download speeds and more efficient use of VoIP hardware could help deliver this.

Mark Fordyce, chief executive and chairman of York Data Services, told the paper: "We are very excited to make this investment in the current economic downturn as it will provide more opportunities for York companies at a time when next-generation internet is becoming an important part of winning business."

The government has pledged to deliver universal connectivity of two megabits per second by 2012, but BT and Virgin Media are both investing in fibre optic networks across the UK.