The Broadband 4 the Rural North project (B4RN) has today announced it will begin its community dig at the end of this month. The B4RN project is hoping to bring fibre optic broadband connections direct to rural communities in Lancashire and surrounding areas.
The digging event will begin on the 31st of March at Julilee Tower, Quernmore, a local beauty spot roughly half way along the first core route. It is expected that all 13 core routes should be live within 3 months. Local residents have been invited to participate in the event, a pre-victorious celebration of the superfast broadband for those living in the area and hope to get in the near future.
"This is where we can reduce the costs that a traditional telecommunications company would face, by using local skills and knowledge, working directly with the community, and being a part of it. B4RN is a 100% community project, with neighbours helping neighbours. The community spirit is strong in rural areas and B4RN is a showcase for that spirit."
Professor Barry Forde, B4RN CEO.
The project also gives the chance for farmers and surrounding businesses to buy shares in B4RN, a proactive way to include the local community in the project. Shares start from £100, and tax refunds are available to those who invest over £500 under the Governmanet's Enterprise Investment Scheme.
staff member)
about 1 year ago
Congratulations to B4RN for raising sufficient funds to start in the these difficult times!
And wish all the best in the community continuing to invest in itself and take the project all the way through to completion!