Barnsley residents to switch to VoIP services after broadband roll out?

Residents of Barnsley could soon be making the switch to VoIP services as the city deploys a high-speed broadband network.

Barnsley Council has signed a five-year, £1million contact with Digital Region to provide super-fast internet access to school and council offices across the region, with some buildings making the switch next month.

It is expected to save the council over £100,000 in cost-savings when it is completed in 2012, giving the local authority the capability and funds to invest in IP telephony solutions.

"Our network 'future-proofs' the council's communications, providing a technology foundation that greatly supports Barnsley's vision of getting its residents and businesses online," said David Carr, chief executive of Digital Region.

"Barnsley now has the infrastructure to support a thriving digital economy, which creates employment and enables residents and businesses to benefit from cutting edge services."

Following the completion of the project, around 97 per cent of homes and businesses will also be able to access the Digital Region network.