Member Article

Ultrafast broadband plans unveiled for Yorkshire’s most rural areas

Thousands of residents and businesses across North Yorkshire will be kept up to speed on plans to provide them with ultrafast broadband connectivity, with the launch of a new online information hub.

The new website, ‘Connected Yorkshire’, forms part of the development of the county’s digital infrastructure, which will see broadband specialist Quickline Communications installing OFCOM ultrafast internet access in North Yorkshire’s remotest locations.

Visitors to the website will find all the most up-to-date information on services available in their area, including when and where ultrafast broadband will be heading next, as well as an opportunity to register interest if their postcode is not yet listed.

Quickline was appointed to deliver the Superfast North Yorkshire programme following a competitive tender which demonstrated value for money through its specialist technical solution. The £12.5m contract was awarded by the council and NYnet, the high-speed broadband connectivity provider set up by the County Council.

Quickline invested an additional £2.2m to deliver and maintain Next Generation Access (NGA) superfast broadband and, in most cases, ultrafast broadband for 15,830 homes and businesses in harder to reach communities. In fact, the majority of Quickline customers will be able to enjoy gigabit-capable speeds (1000mbps).

Sean Royce, Chief Executive Officer at Quickline Communications, said:

“We are delighted to be working with North Yorkshire County Council and NYnet as it will further strengthen our work delivering ultrafast broadband to isolated areas which have previously been ignored by other providers.

“On the Connected Yorkshire website, people just need to type in their postcode to find which broadband providers are available in their area and what packages they offer. It couldn’t be easier for them.”

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire County Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Access, says the improved broadband services for North Yorkshire will make a positive and significant difference for the county’s residents and business owners. He said:

“The Connected Yorkshire website will be a great resource where residents, businesses and service providers can keep up-to-date with developments and products within the Superfast North Yorkshire Programme.

“It’s imperative that there’s a mindset shift because high-quality internet requirements are of equal importance regardless of location. We’re aiming to set the bar high with a real solution to poor-quality broadband, as this is currently causing implications for our rural communities that should not be underestimated.

“We are delighted to be working closely with Quickline and are impressed by its prioritisation of the needs of people who are being disadvantaged in receiving the broadband service they deserve, simply because of where they choose to live or do business. We look forward to helping North Yorkshire’s digital progression make a significant step forward.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Fiona Dwyer .