PEOPLE in two dale villages plagued by slow internet speeds should sign up to a scheme which promises to address the problem – or risk being left in the slow lane.
That’s the message to residents in Startforth and Boldron from Factco, a company which specialises in fibre and communication technology for residents and businesses.
The scheme is being funded by the Government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher scheme, created for communities struggling with their internet connections, and supported by Digital Durham.
Installation is free but residents must sign up to a contact – the basic 12-month deal costs £24.99 a month and promises speeds of 100Mbps. Some properties in Boldron have just 0.6Mbps download speed.
But time is running short, according to Janine Docherty, Facto’s community fibre lead officer for County Durham.
She says the bid for funding needs to be made by the end of February and 85 to 90 per cent of people in the two villages must register an interest by then.
She said: “The sooner people sign up for the voucher scheme, the sooner we can secure an agreement from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to proceed with the project through the voucher scheme.
“It sounds like a high percentage but we think it’s quite do-able for these two communities.
“We are working with both parish councils. People in the villages have wanted better internet speeds for years,” she added.
“In 2021, good broadband is so important. We have to work from home, educate children from home and entertain ourselves and our families. It’s an absolute vital service.”
Ms Docherty said there had already been a good number of people signing up so far but time was of the essence.
She said a range of deals were available including speeds of 1,000Mbps home broadband, upload and download, for £44.99 a month.
“This is not only the fastest connectivity available but is also the most reliable and secure broadband solution,” she said.
The company says prices will not change during the contract period. Letters are being sent out to residents in the parishes.
Pat Estall, chairman of Startforth Parish Council, said: “We’re supporting the need to have better broadband.
“The offer by Facto seems interesting and seems to hit the right buttons but at the end of the day it’s the residents themselves who have to do the research and make the choice.
“They need to consider the choice and cost as well as the company.”
To find out more details or register an interest, visit factco.co.uk/Startforthand boldron and complete the form. Anyone with any questions can call Facto on 03333 057560 or email hello@ factco.co.uk.
