Providing internet lifeline for rural areas

Businessman Phil Dickenson is ensuring that Andrew Kay, a sculptor who lives on a remote moorland, can reach a global audience. At a time when many rural businesses are plagued by sluggish internet connections, Mr Kay can secure orders from around the world, with help from Mr Dickenson’s company, Anyplace Internet.

From his base near Kirkby Lonsdale, Mr Kay can also secure commissions to exhibit at places like the HS Chelsea Flower Show. Mr Kay’s deer sculptures are now admired by visitors to Lake Geneva.

“As an artist and businessman operating in a rural environment, and trying to sell my work, it is crucial to have access to national and international markets via the web,” said Mr Kay. “I’m an employer, and an exporter. Thanks to Phil’s installation, we now have superfast broadband, even in my studio in the middle of nowhere.”

A life-saving organisation relies on Anyplace Internet. When the Tour de France cyclists speed over the Buttertubs Pass this summer, their progress will be monitored by the Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team. Mr Dickenson will help them to keep in touch with race HQ. Mr Dickenson is working with farmers, rural businesses and mountain rescue teams to connect them to the web as quickly as possible with satellite technology. Anyplace Internet, which has a turnover of around £75,000 a year and two directors, helps to ensure that remote communities stay connected.

Mr Dickenson, who has worked in telecommunications in Yorkshire all his career, said: “I want to make a difference to small businesses and individuals. It’s hard for most people to imagine what life would be like without access to the internet, but it is a reality for a small percentage of the population. The difference that internet access makes is immense.”

As an example, he highlights a rural bed and breakfast business near Keld in North Yorkshire, which wanted to take online bookings because it is on the route of the Coast to Coast long distance walk.

He added: “Now they can do that, but they can also listen to the radio in their kitchen via the net; they had no signal otherwise. People with poor reception can now watch TV.”

According to Mr Dickenson, poor broadband can knock up to 20 per cent off the value of a house. The Anyplace satellite installation can be completed within a week. Mr Dickenson, who moved from Knaresborough to Kirkby Lonsdale last year, added: “I met a family considering buying a very expensive house in the Lake District National Park, but if they found there wasn’t decent broadband, they said they would pull out of the deal.

“On the other hand, sellers who invest to add superfast broadband are now finding that the market appreciates that.”