THE high hopes of Hatherleigh residents that they would soon be broadband enabled have been dashed.
Efforts to reach the subscriber ?trigger? level at which BT automatically enables the local telephone exchange were successful in March. However, BT has advised the town that the date for actually enabling the exchange is March 2005!
Hatherleigh businessmen Steve Carter and Geoff Hodgkinson are not prepared to wait and have identified a realistic alternative, and are now seeking local residents and businesses to support their plan.
?We believe that a satellite link provides an interim answer for Hatherleigh,? said Geoff, who owns and runs the TussieTwo China shop in Bridge Street with his wife.
?There are several options but we think we have identified a good, reliable supplier and all we need now are a few supporters.
?The only disadvantage is that satellite is not ideal for applications like on-line gaming. However, for all other office and home uses it is a great solution.? he added.
?We have been advised by the Broadband4Devon organisation that they can provide financial support for all businesses joining our scheme.
?And the supplier will provide DSL as soon as it?s available too.
?If ever there was a win/win situation this must be it,? added Geoff.
The satellite solution offers 500kbs uploads speeds and 1Mbs download speed, which is twice the performance of basic DSL.
Geoff said prices had fallen recently and the service is available at a cost which is comparable to normal DSL, a minimum contract period of 12 months is required.
Geoff and Steve believe their plan could work for other rural communities in Devon so this trial might be the start of something bigger.
Anyone who wants to find out more can contact Geoff Hodgkinson 01329 846166.