Press & PR

Devon is set to receive the benefits of a new broadband scheme worth £120,000, it has emerged.

Involving the installation of six new broadband aerials, the project could generate faster connection speeds for locals enabling them to benefit from cheap calls via Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services.

Targeting areas around Lynton, Lynmouth and the north Devon countryside where broadband connections have been unreliable and slow, the scheme could significantly enhance the development of businesses that may use VoIP to reduce their telephone bills.

New start-ups will also be encouraged by the development, said the South West of England Development Agency, which is contributing £90,000 for the broadband project.

"This technology provides a great opportunity for rural companies to be able to develop their businesses on a level playing field without being penalised because of where they live or run their business," said Janet Kennedy of north Devon district council.

A new broadband service offering speeds of up to 100 megabits a second through fibre-optic cables is to be trialled in the Ebbsfleet Valley area of Kent from August, the Independent reported this month.

Vonage offers a range of packages for cheap local and international calls.

V-Plan 3 offers free inclusive calls to 25 countries for just £9.99 a month.