It is finally coming... Fast internet access may be here in days, Teesdale Mercury

Homes and businesses in parts of Teesdale could start to receive  broadband internet access as early as next month.

Last year, the Mercury revealed that Teesdale had the lowest level of broadband take-up in the UK with just 12.3 per cent of people having a  broadband connection. 

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

But high-speed internet access is set to arrive in some local areas shorty, with the rest of the dale expected to have high-speed coverage by next March.

Enterprise leaders say the move will be a major boost to businesses. 

Charlotte Stow, who has helped to pioneer the project, said: “It is brilliant news for Teesdale and it will put us ahead of the game nationally. There will be 100 per cent coverage, with broadband provision for all houses and business premises.

“School pupils will be able to conduct research and do homework, businesses will be able to compete at last on an even playing field and have a global reach, people at home will be able to access council and medical services – the list just goes on.”

A leading internet provider was selected earlier this year to create a wireless network for Teesdale, under the ‘Digital Dale’ project.

Technology company Networks by Wireless is now moving onto the ‘mobilisation phase’.

Digital Dale is being led by organisations including the Barnard Castle Vision, the South Durham Enterprise Agency and Teesdale Action Partnership to supply a minimum service of 2Mb per second to even the most remote areas.

Next-generation access, with speeds of up to 20Mb per second, will be available to those who subscribe to the super-fast service.

“The new Teesdale broadband service will roll out gradually as the network is deployed with the first areas seeing a service available in August and September,” an Enterprise Agency spokesperson said.

The first areas to receive the new service are set to be decided in the coming days.

Broadband subscription will cost £20 a month, with an initial charge of £50 for equipment.

Deborah Jenkins, chairwoman of Barnard Castle Vision, said: “This hugely exciting project 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.”

l Those interested in receiving Teesdale broadband are asked to register at theenterpriseagency.

co.uk or call 01833 696 600.