Broadband scheme details set to be outlined for users

A PIONEERING scheme to bring high-speed broadband access to the remotest parts of North Yorkshire will be showcased to dozens of community groups and business leaders this month.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Feb 2011, 10:02 BST
Updated 3rd Feb 2011, 10:02 BST

Experts from the telecommunications industry will be at the event to outline details of the ambitious NYnet project, which was launched by North Yorkshire County Council in 2007.

The Broadband North Yorkshire Conference will outline plans for upgrading existing connections to bring in superfast links, as well as introducing internet access to communities that are currently without coverage.

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The NYnet scheme is seen as key to improving internet access to prevent a "brain drain" to towns and cities by allowing entrepreneurs to either remain or launch new ventures in rural areas.

The Conservative MP for Ripon and Skipton, Julian Smith, who has organised the conference, said: "This promises to be an exciting event that focuses on the way we can improve people's lives and North Yorkshire's economy by improving access to the internet.

"The Government sees broadband as important to the country's future success and this conference will be a great opportunity for the industry, business, organisations and communities to come together to work out the best ways of turning the vision into a reality."

Among the companies attending the conference are BT, Virgin, O2, Cable and Wireless and Avanti as well as the Post Office, DirectGov and Skipton Building Society.

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They will be joined by organisations including the NHS, the BBC, national park authorities, councils, charities and voluntary groups.

The NYnet scheme was heralded as being as important as the arrival of the railways when it was announced four years ago.

It will see almost blanket coverage of internet broadband to attract a new breed of businesses which rely on cutting-edge technology to North Yorkshire.

The move is also aimed at protecting companies already based in England's largest county and ensuring that they can remain viable in the increasingly competitive global business world.

The Broadband North Yorkshire Conference, which is already sold out, will be held at Ripon Racecourse on Saturday, February 19.

Related topics:North YorkshireNorth Yorkshire County CouncilGovernmentRipon