One hundred rural businesses in North Devon will reap the benefits of high-speed computer connections with the installation of a new wireless broadband network.

The South West of England Development Agency (RDA) is to invest £90,000 in a £120,000 project to install six broadband aerials across the Devon side of Exmoor, in the remote areas around Lynton and Lynmouth, and across the wider countryside areas in North Devon. Each aerial will serve around a 15-mile radius.

The aim is to significantly improve connectively to the internet via broadband and provide business users with a reliable service. Until now, provision has been unreliable and in some cases there is no service at all, due to the location of towns and villages, cabling issues and the distance from exchanges.


People taking advantage of the new system will need to install receiver dishes on their properties or businesses to access much improved data speeds.

Carl Budden, Head of Regeneration for the RDA’s Devon and Somerset team, said: "We are delighted to support the North Devon Wireless Broadband Project. This investment will significantly enhance the opportunities for companies to use broadband technology in remote parts of North Devon which will help unlock their business potential.

"We have been working closely with partners to develop an innovative solution to the connectivity issues in North Devon and we hope this investment, together with a contribution from West Somerset District Council, will pay dividends"

Increasing innovation and take up of information communication technology is a key objective behind the project and it is hoped it will lead to an increase in the start-up rate for small and medium sized businesses.

North Devon District Council is working towards appointing an operator to carry out the work with a view to the first businesses being connected in the spring.

(JM)