Cybermoor, the first community broadband co-operative in the UK, has embarked on a new project to extend wireless Internet access to more remote areas of North East England. Cybermoor was set up in 2002 in Alston Moor, north east Cumbria, in order to provide residents in this very rural area with means of communicating with one another and accessing services. Cybermoor has been a clear success - it now has over 300 members, very active discussion forums, and has proved a real contribution to life and community in Alston.The co-operative has now teamed up with One NorthEast, the regional development agency, to deliver Broadband in the Dales, a project which will provide wireless Internet for small enterprises and households in the similarly remote area of the South Tyne Valley in the North East.One NorthEast’s ebusiness senior specialist, Stephen Carey, explains that despite many businesses in the region having broadband access there are still some areas without any connection because they are located too far from broadband enabled telephone exchanges. “BT has tried to connect many of these businesses, but in some cases the technical barriers are simply too great. This is a practical way of addressing those barriers, ultimately helping to create and maintain thriving and sustainable rural communities in which businesses want to start up and can succeed.”Daniel Heery, the founder and Project Manager of Cybermoor, agrees: “Living in a remote rural area, we know how important good internet connections are. Cybermoor is delighted to be extending its award-winning network to provide Internet connections for residents and businesses in the South Tyne Valley. This service will reduce isolation and give people the chance to carry out learning on-line and run their businesses more effectively.” Broadband in the Dales has a new website, where more information on the venture can be found:www.cybermoor.coop.

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29 February 2008
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