Internet links boosted to overseas RAF personnel

The move to secure the next generation of broadband connections at RAF Leeming is aimed at addressing the extremely poor or non-existent coverage that the air base has previously endured.

More than 400 residents at the RAF station are now set to benefit from high-speed internet access in the latest phase of the groundbreaking NYnet project. It is hoped the improved connections will ensure simple technologies such as webcams and emails can be used to provide links to personnel stationed abroad.

The business development director for NYnet, Paul Crane, said: “NYnet have been working closely with the RAF on this project for over three years now, so it is extremely satisfying for us to see the network being delivered.”

The new network, which is provided by the East Yorkshire-based ilovebroadband, utilises the NYnet fibre connection at the primary school to feed the wireless network across the base’s married quarters.

The NYnet project is expected to cost £40m to provide high-speed internet across North Yorkshire and is seen as vital for attracting enterprise. But the Countryside Alliance claimed last month the project had failed to get off the ground more than a year after the Government announced major funding. Senior NYnet officials conceded the project had proved “frustrating” due to a raft of regulations that needed to be adhered to, but stressed progress is being made.

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