The story so far
actnow started in April 2002 and was the first broadband partnership to be set up between the public and private sectors.
Its aims were to bring broadband to 12 Cornish communities and to sign up 3,300 businesses to broadband by April 2005.
actnow has far exceeded these targets - 100% of businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly can now access broadband and all 100 exchange areas now have broadband available.
Over 10,000 businesses are using the technology - this is more than double the original target and equates to over 50% of Cornish businesses.
In total (including residential users) there are over 117,000 connections countywide which gives Cornwall an ADSL broadband penetration of 46% compared to the national average of 31.2% and the South West average of 37.9%. The economic impact is clear - it is estimated that nearly 4,300 jobs have been secured and Cornwall's gross domestic product has benefited by more than £99 million.
actnow research also shows that broadband is benefiting enterprises, individuals, the Cornish economy, society and the natural environment.
But, actnow doesn’t want to stop there – see our vision for the future.
(Figures correct as at July 2007.)
Cornwall's Broadband Story - Power Point Presentation - pdf
