Thousands of residents and businesses across North Yorkshire are to be kept up to speed on the arrival of ultrafast broadband connectivity, with the launch of a new online platform.
The new website, , forms part of the £12.5 million development of the county’s digital infrastructure.
Hessle-based broadband specialist Quickline Communications is installing OFCOM ultrafast internet access in the county’s remotest locations.
Read more: Quickline adds West Yorkshire network provider as deal builds scale and expertise in rural broadband
The business was appointed to deliver the Superfast North Yorkshire programme following a competitive tender with the council and provider NYnet, a high-speed broadband connectivity provider set up by the local authority back in 2007.
Sean Royce, chief executive at Quickline, said: “We are delighted to be working with North Yorkshire County Council and NYnet, as it will further strengthen our work delivering ultrafast broadband to isolated areas which have previously been ignored by other providers.
“On the Connected Yorkshire website, people just need to type in their postcode to find which broadband providers are available in their area and what packages they offer. It couldn’t be easier for them.”
Quickline, acquired by Canadian investment house Northleaf earlier this year, dialled up the investment with an additional £2.2m to deliver and maintain Next Generation Access superfast broadband and, in most cases, ultrafast broadband for 15,830 homes and businesses in harder to reach communities. The majority of Quickline customers will be able to enjoy gigabit-capable speeds (1,000mbps).
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Improved broadband services will make a huge difference according to North Yorkshire Council, narrowing the digital divide.
The acceleration of remote working through Covid has raised the importance for many.
Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at North Yorkshire Council, said: “It’s imperative that there’s a mindset shift because high-quality internet requirements are of equal importance regardless of location. We’re aiming to set the bar high with a real solution to poor-quality broadband, as this is currently causing implications for our rural communities that should not be underestimated.
“We are delighted to be working closely with Quickline and are impressed by its prioritisation of the needs of people who are being disadvantaged in receiving the broadband service they deserve, simply because of where they choose to live or do business. We look forward to helping North Yorkshire’s digital progression make a significant step forward.”
On the new platform, he added: “The Connected Yorkshire website will be a great resource where residents, businesses and service providers can keep up-to-date with developments and products within the Superfast North Yorkshire Programme. It will complement the postcode-based facility on the Superfast North Yorkshire site at , which enables people to check whether a superfast connection is available in their area.”
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