CONNECTION CHARGES ENDED FOR NEW SATELLITE BROADBAND CUSTOMERS IN RURAL AREAS

Britain's largest satellite broadband provider is scrapping connection charges for residents, farmers and businesses unable to get a fast broadband service, and who sign up for its ‘up to 22Mbps' satellite broadband service through selected local authorities and rural associations.

Avonline Broadband has announced it will give free installation and activation for customers who are either living in a local authority where it has a co-operation agreement in place, or who are members of ‘partner' national organisations. The cost would usually be £150.

Participating local authorities include Northumberland, Northamptonshire and Cornwall councils, while partner organisations include the NFU (National Farmers Union) and CLA (Country Land and Business Association).

Mark Wynn, managing director of Avonline Broadband, said: "It is becoming increasingly clear from the recent announcements by official bodies, and in the Chancellor's Budget statement, that around 1.5 million mostly-rural homes and businesses have no realistic hope of getting superfast broadband from the large infrastructure providers in the foreseeable future.

"Satellite broadband is their only realistic solution over the next two to five years. Our priority is to make our satellite broadband capacity easily available to those in areas and interest groups where we have a relationship."

Details of the participating Councils and rural associations involved can be seen on the Avonline Broadband website atwww.avonlinebroadband.com.

Mark Wynn said: "We also welcome new partnerships with local authorities keen to help their residents solve their internet problem, wherever they may live. There is no cost to them for partnering with us."

He added: "There was speculation that the Chancellor would announce a voucher scheme to subsidise the installation of satellite broadband but his Budget announcement didn't contain any details. So, in the meantime, we are in effect giving a free £150 ‘voucher' to help those who are eligible for our service."

Satellite broadband is an ‘available anywhere' technology that can immediately deliver internet download speeds of up to 22Mbps to any home or business, regardless of location or remoteness.

"With the ability to get installed within a few days and no bundled phone line rental obligations, satellite broadband can open up immediate access to the many benefits of the modern internet, such as downloading movies, making Skype calls and catching up on TV programmes," said Mark Wynn.

ENDS

Note to editors:

For further information and interviews:

Mark Wynn, Managing Director, Avonline Broadband, tel 07970 008001

Email: mark.wynn@avonline.co.uk

Further images are available from:

Ken Harrison, HPR Marketing, tel 07801 649045. Email kharrison@hprmarketing.co.uk

Mark Wynn, managing director, Avonline Broadband