20.01.05
actnow reaches the parts others can't reach

Right: The new actnow 4x4 is launched by Alison Ritchie, Chief Broadband Officer for BT Group PLC and Nigel Ashcroft (in the driving seat), Project Director for actnow.

actnow, the Objective One project set up to accelerate the take up of broadband in Cornwall, has unveiled the latest weapon in its marketing arsenal – a 4x4 vehicle which has been specially adapted to take broadband to the furthest flung corners of Cornwall.

Specially rigged to include a broadband satellite, the actnow 4x4 is designed to demonstrate broadband to businesses, self-employed people and farms in rural and remote areas.

"It is designed to take broadband to the places that others can't reach," said Nigel Ashcroft, Project Director. "With this vehicle, we will be able to show broadband in action, in the middle of a field or on a clifftop!"

Launched today by Alison Ritchie, Chief Broadband Officer for BT, one of the partners in the actnow project, the broadband demonstrator vehicle is the only one of its kind in the UK. actnow see it as pivotal to achieving their objective of bringing broadband to 100% of Cornwall.

Alison Ritchie said: "Since it was launched more than two and a half years ago, actnow has established a nationwide reputation for its pioneering spirit. This latest innovation will reinforce that reputation!"

The launch of the 4x4 demonstrator is part of a wider campaign by actnow to promote broadband to farm businesses in the region.

"This month we are running a heavyweight direct mail campaign to ensure that farm businesses are aware of how they could benefit from broadband and actnow," says Nigel Ashcroft.

"actnow is already supporting over 100 farm businesses across Cornwall and broadband is making a huge difference to these early adopters."

Patricia James of Folly Farm, a 185 acre dairy and beef farm near Penzance says: "With our old dial up internet connection, it used to take me ages to do a batch of passports. Since we have had broadband, it rarely takes me ten minutes. I don't know how we managed without it."

Charles James added: "We have made significant savings by purchasing supplies online. It's also very useful to be able to access information quickly on anything from new product developments to the latest milk quota prices. With broadband, the connection is permanently on, so with just one quick trip to the computer, I can buy what I need or check something out."

A survey carried out by PFA Research last month for actnow indicates that three quarters of farms in Cornwall have PCs and 85% of those are already connected to the internet. Amongst those who are already using the internet, the research reveals that up to 40% could install broadband by Autumn 2005.

Nigel Ashcroft says: "In Cornwall, we have already achieved take up amongst businesses which is ahead of any other rural area in the UK. Now we want to take Cornwall to the forefront in the UK farming community and help Cornish farmers embrace the benefits of broadband. We are aiming to achieve a rate of broadband use amongst farmers which is ahead of anywhere else in the UK. This will help give our farmers a competitive edge."

John Berry, Managing Director of Cornwall Enterprise, says: "Farming is undergoing a period of rapid change and transformation. With broadband, it is easier to take advantage of new opportunities and save valuable time on paperwork and compliance. Broadband can help farm businesses save time and money as well as opening up new markets."

David Rodda of Cornwall Agricultural Council said: "High speed internet access is becoming ever more important for farmers and other land based businesses with the introduction of digital mapping and electronic data transfer. actnow reduces the barriers to access and we would encourage all farmers and land based businesses to find out what broadband can do for your business."

For more information about actnow, farm businesses can call Paul Middleton on 0800 800 935 or email paul.middleton@actnowcornwall.co.uk.

Editor's notes:

actnow is a demand led initiative to encourage businesses in Cornwall to gain the support they need to move into the new broadband economy. Including about £5.25 million from Objective One, it is one of the largest private and public sector partnerships in Cornwall since the county was granted Objective One status in 2000.

The partnership comprises Objective One Partnership Office, Cornwall Enterprise, BT, South West of England Regional Development Agency, Cornwall County Council, Business Link, Cornwall College and Defra.

Broadband operates at much higher speeds than a standard internet connection, with consumer products typically 10 times faster and business products up to 40 times faster. Products can be ordered from a range of service providers.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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