FAST broadband for rural areas in Uttlesford is on the way after the district council approved funding for a new scheme from radio broadband supplier Buzcom.

FAST broadband for rural areas in Uttlesford is on the way after the district council approved funding for a new scheme from radio broadband supplier Buzcom.

Uttlesford District Council’s Environment committee last night (Thursday) gave the go-ahead for a �30,000 grant to Buzcom to help the company deliver a radio broadband service for businesses and residents in the district. The money will be used to pay for two transmitters and the use of a police tower.

Uttlesford is a very rural district and significant parts of it have either slow or no traditional broadband coverage (delivered down a phone line). For those areas, the only option is to have satellite broadband, which tends to be slow and expensive and prone to be affected by poor atmospheric conditions.

With radio broadband however, only physical obstructions such as tall buildings or tall trees could affect the signal. The service has already been introduced by Buzcom in the Maldon district and 94 per cent of people applying have been successfully connected.

The cheapest package will be �12.25 per month, which would give a monthly usage allowance of 40GB and an average speed of 25MB per second. There will also be a 50MB per second option. Initial set up fees apply.

Chairman of the environment committee Cllr Susan Barker said: “The council is delighted to be able to help bring this service to the district.

“It should make a real difference to businesses and residents who, up to now, have struggled with slow broadband speeds or no broadband at all.

“It means that broadband with speeds of up to 25MB will be available to people who previously would have had no access to such technology.

“It overcomes a major issue for the thousands of people who live in the more rural parts of Uttlesford – and people who live in the larger towns and villages will also have access to fast radio broadband should they want it.”

The project has been discussed and endorsed by the economic development group of Uttlesford Futures – the district’s Local Strategic Partnership.

The radio broadband scheme is likely to be up and running in the district within four months.

To be kept informed about developments or register an interest in the service, residents and businesses can email their details (name, address including postcode, phone number and current broadband coverage) to broadband@uttlesford.gov.uk

For more information visit buzcom.net