Teesdale set for high-speed broadband network by 2011, Teesdale Mercury

IN a dramatic turnaround, Britain’s broadband blackspot could become home to some of the country’s fastest internet speeds.

One of the UK’s leading providers of internet technology has been selected by the Digital Dale project to create a super-fast wireless network for Teesdale that will ensure even the most remote areas have access to broadband.

If funding can be found, the entire dale should be able to access broadband by the end of 2011.

And lightning-fast speeds of up to 20Mb per second will be available to those who require it.

Last year the Mercury revealed that Teesdale has the lowest level of broadband take-up in the UK. Figures showed that only 12.3 per cent of people in the district have a broadband connection.

And experts warned the figures were damaging the area’s economy, with businesses being forced to move elsewhere.

The Digital Dale project is being led by Barnard Castle Vision in co-ordination with partners including The Enterprise Agency, Teesdale Action Partnership (TAP), and local businesses and residents. 

Barnard Castle Vision is currently securing funding for the building, maintenance and operation of the network. If the cash is confirmed, Networks by Wireless – the selected contractor – could start work on the project as soon as next month.  

Deborah Jenkins, chairwoman of Barnard Castle Vision, said: “This project is hugely exciting and looks set to transform Teesdale’s ability to compete on an equal basis with urban and city centre locations 

as places to live, work and visit.”

The high-tech WiMax network will be available to almost 12,000 homes and 1,000 commercial premises in Teesdale by the end of 2011. 

A survey will identify isolated farms and communities that currently have poor or no connectivity and ensure that no coverage blackspots remain. 

The project will also offer public internet access to more than 100,000 visitors each year through WiFi zones in Barnard Castle and Middleton-in-Teesdale.

TAP chairwoman Barbara Harrison said: “This is great news for the dale and the first big achievement of the TAP.  Numerous studies and feasibilities have been done over the years, but nothing happened. That’s why the people said it was a priority at the TAP launch last year. The TAP brought everyone together and now we have made real progress and I would like to thank Charlotte Stow for working with the Vision on this.  I look forward to the TAP adding value in a similar way in future.”

Mrs Stow, who works for The Enterprise Agency, praised the partnership working that had helped the project progress. She said: “The skills, experience, and knowledge brought to bear on this project has seen remarkable progress on a subject that many rural areas of Great Britain are still struggling to comprehend let alone tackle.”

Once Teesdale’s WiMax network is up and running, the basic broadband package will cost approximately £20 per month, after an initial subscription charge of £50. It is expected super-fast broadband will cost more, but a price has not yet been set.