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Getting broadband in local communities

Some communities are unable to get broadband because of their locality (you have to be within 6km of a telephone exchange) or the cost involved in enabling the service for that area. You can join together as a community to convince an Internet Service Provider that there is a demand in their area.

To find out more about broadband, satellite and wireless connections, see the article 'Different types of broadband'.

• Different types of broadband

How to bring broadband to your area

Unfortunately, this can take a lot of time, effort and planning. Most of all, it requires everyone including, local residents, organisations and businesses - to campaign as a community. Sometimes the solution lies in partnership across several communities and being prepared to take advantage of satellite or wireless technology.

More information and advice about how to bring broadband to your area can be found on the leaflet 'Rural broadband - helping bring broadband to your community', published by the Department of Trade and Industry.

• Rural broadband: Helping bring broadband to your community (PDF document, 524K) Opens new window
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Examples of projects

The following case studies are from communities who brought broadband to their local areas.

The Cambridge Ring North East project

The Cambridge Ring North East project (Carnet) was set up by residents of several Cambridgeshire villages when it became clear that they were too remote for Assymetric Digital Subscrber Line (ADSL) or cable.

The project is an innovative partnership with a local company that was persuaded that there was a business case for leasing and running a wireless infrastructure on behalf of the village. The project has residential and business subscribers with prices ranging from £30 upwards for access. Laurie van Someren, one of Carnet's founders, says:"Our approach appeals to people because this originates in the community rather than being imposed from outside."

• Cambridge Ring North East project website Opens new window

Not-for-profit broadband

Wedmore is an isolated village - too far from it's nearest exchange to get ADSL. In response, civic and business leaders formed a not-for-profit company, 'Wireless Wedmore', to buy and run a wireless broadband connection for the village. With advice and help from RABBIT (the Remote Access Broadband Inclusion Trail), wireless broadband was available inside 90 days at an annual cost of just £260. Director Angela Vivian says:"Broad-based community support is vital, but it's just as important to have a driving force - a small group who will put in the hours it takes to make it happen"

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