Still can't get broadband ?
There are a number of technical reasons why a very small number of Cornish businesses (less than 1%) cannot get ADSL broadband. In these cases there are alternatives.
Satellite
Within satellite technology the two variants are one and two way systems.
Two way systems provide full broadband connectivity with the satellite system being both a transmitter and receiver. The technology has the advantage of being able to work anywhere, as actnow demonstrated when the project first started with our mobile demonstrator vehicle.
In a one way system the satellite is a receiver system only and provides the data downloaded from the web to your PC with a dial-up connection used to send information from your PC to the Internet. One way systems are cheaper than a full two way system, but have the disadvantage that it still requires a telephone connection which it ties up when in use and the speed to 'upload' information from the PC to the Web is only running at dial-up speeds. These factors may prove limiting.
If you wish to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) over the broadband connection then ensure you check the suitability of the proposed solution as the delay in the satellite transmission path can lead to timing problems which often effect VPNs.
Costs:
For a full two way system the costs are likely to be in the region of £1,000 for the setup of the system and an ongoing monthly charge of approximately £60 depending upon speed and monthly data transfer allowance required.
3G Mobile phone service
The 3G solution (up to 1.2Mbps+) allows you to connect to the internet anywhere there is 3G mobile phone coverage, with the potential for fully mobile working. However with Cornwall's geography the coverage of the service can prove limiting! Originally the service was provided using a data card modem that plugged into a slot on your laptop, more recently USB connected 3G modems have become available. Both require an appropriate mobile phone SIM card.
At the moment there is limited 3G coverage in Cornwall, but you may be able to use the GPRS network (up to 54kbps) instead check out the coverage maps from the main suppliers below:
3G Vodafone
3G Orange
3G T-mobile
O2
Three Mobile
Costs:
The suppliers should be checked for the latest deals and like mobile phones the price of a USB modem will usually be dependent upon the length of time you sign up to the service for with some supplier offering a 'free' modem. Monthly costs are likely to be in the region of £15 dependent upon the data usage required.
WiFi solutions
This involves beaming a wireless signal from a property that is in line of sight & can get broadband to a location that can't. The technology used is the standard WiFi system, but directional aerials are used and can provide a service over several kilometres with the correct equipment.
Costs:
Provision and installation of the equipment required is likely to cost between £500 to £1,000 but other than the first broadband connection there are no ongoing costs.
For more information on these solutions contact actnow by email at info@actnowcornwall.co.uk or call: 0800 800 935.
