Member Article

Northumberland businesses boosted further as superfast fibre broadband lands in Lindisfarne

Superfast fibre broadband has arrived at one of the UK’s most historic and famous locations, thanks to iNorthumberland.

A new street cabinet has also been installed on the tidal island to enable connection to the new fibre technology. Previously, telephone lines on Holy Island were not served by a street cabinet, but ran straight from the island’s phone exchange to homes and businesses.

The benefits of faster broadband speeds are considerable for businesses with many of those situated on Holy Island serving the more than 650,000 visitors, who flock to the island every year. Businesses can now access booking systems, update websites and utilise social networking sites faster and more effectively, saving both time and money.

Councillor Dave Ledger, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council said: “Living on an island like Lindisfarne can present its challenges – not least of which is the need for suitable communications links. Tourism businesses have to be able to compete on a level playing field and residents too wish to receive the same level of service as their neighbours on the mainland.

“I am delighted that through the iNorthumberland programme we have been able to provide superfast broadband to this community.”

More than 145 homes and businesses can now place orders as a result of iNorthumberland roll-out of the technology - and the first customers are already now using the high-speed service.

Sean Atkinson, who runs the Lindisfarne Hotel on the island with partner Jacqueline, has just been connected to superfast broadband. He said: “It has made a massive difference. We’ve gone from a speed of half a megabit per second to about 37.

“We provide free wi-fi throughout the hotel because these days people expect to be able to stay connected, however far away they are from everything. Before, the wi-fi hardly worked at all. In one particular guest room, people had to sit on the end of the bed near the door to get a connection.

“If too many guests were using it at the same time, it meant there wasn’t enough bandwidth for me to get online and deal with the hotel’s admin and correspondence. I’d end up having to switch off the wi-fi just so I’d have enough bandwidth to send an email! Now everything is champion. Returning guests have already commented on how much better the broadband is.”

The iNorthumberland broadband programme, a key part of the council’s growth investment, is being delivered by Northumberland County Council and BT.