Suffolk town's broadband boost

CAMPAIGNERS were last nightcelebrating after BT announced broadband internet access in a Suffolk town will go live earlier than planned.

The service will be available in Saxmundham from August 11 after local campaigners reached the 500-trigger level, the number of people required to register an interest before broadband is installed.

Don Tricker, campaign leader for Broadband4Sax, said: "This date is even earlier than our most optimistic predictions.

"We reached our trigger level of 500 registrations on March 12. This was thanks to the efforts of our team of canvassers who braved the elements in February and March to explain to locals the benefits of ADSL broadband.

While some exchanges have lengthy waits between reaching the trigger level and broadband being installed, Saxmundham needs to wait only three months before people can have ADSL installed.

"BT really came through for us," said Mr. Tricker.

"The wait is so short that people can already place orders with ISPs. Our campaign site carries advice for choosing an ISP and a live forum for visitors to discuss broadband issues."

BT spokesman Francis King added praised the hard work of the Saxmundham campaign.

"The Saxmundham example demonstrates what local people power can do. By this summer, BT will have brought broadband to exchanges serving more than 90per cent of UK households.

"This represents a huge investment and through the demand registration scheme we can direct future investment to bring broadband to areas where true demand for this high speed internet technology has been demonstrated."

Now Saxmundham is on the broadband map, Don Tricker urged people to take advantage of the new service.

"We've demonstrated that the demand here is high. Residents should now place firm orders with ISPs to ensure they get ADSL broadband as soon as it's available."