Major step forward for pioneering broadband project

A pioneering Object One project in Cornwall to bring broadband technology to rural businesses took a major step forward today with the announcement that BT Retail has won the tender to provide the communications and computer hardware and software for the thousands of participating small and medium sized companies.

BT, which is one of the South West’s largest private sector employers, had already pledged to upgrade 4 of its Cornish telephone exchanges with ADSL broadband technology as part of the £12.5 million ACT NOW project. A further 8 exchanges will be upgraded depending on demand.

Now the communications firm will also play a key role in the intensive advice and support package offered for the 3,300 participating businesses to help them make the most of the broadband technology being installed. The support package – involving all the necessary equipment and communications, training and advice - is expected to be one of the most comprehensive of its kind ever provided in the UK. BT’s total investment in the project will exceed £3 million.

Pierre Danon, Chief Executive of BT Retail, said: “We are delighted that our bid has been successful. Over the coming weeks we will be working closely with the other partners in the project to develop what we fully expect to be one of the most comprehensive support packages for small and medium firms ever offered in this country. The expertise available within the ACT NOW partnership is immense and very wide ranging.”

ACT NOW is a ground breaking partnership led by Cornwall Enterprise with Objective One, BT, the South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), Cornwall County Council, Business Link Devon and Cornwall and Cornwall College.

The Objective One programme is contributing £5.25 million to the project. Other main funders include SWRDA, which is putting in £1 million and Cornwall County Council, which is contributing £260,000 through its economic development company, Cornwall Enterprise.

Nigel Ashcroft, ACT NOW project director, said: “Bids were sought from a large number of local and national companies. Now that the tender process has been completed we will be able to move swiftly forward with the project, which will play a vital role in the future prosperity of Cornwall. The partnership is recruiting specialist staff for training and developing a full marketing plan.”

He revealed that publicity surrounding the multi-million pound project had already resulted in more than 150 inquiries. “Many of the calls have been from local companies wanting to know more about the project and the technology, but we have also received inquiries from individuals and organisations elsewhere in the UK interested in relocating to Cornwall,” he said.

Carleen Kelemen, deputy Objective One programme director, said: “The partnership is working very hard to allow businesses across Cornwall to take advantage of broadband technology as soon as possible, but it does take time to get the infrastructure and support package in place.

“The roll-out of broadband will be phased, with the Penzance, Newquay, St Austell and Redruth telephone exchanges being broadband-enabled by late spring. Other exchanges will follow depending on demand, so I would urge business to pre-register their interest as soon as possible by calling 01872 322821.”

ACT NOW, an acronym for Access for Cornwall Through Telecommunications to New Opportunities Worldwide, is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs in Cornwall and put the county at the forefront of the e-business revolution.

Businesses wanting to know more about ACT NOW can call 01872 322821.