New Year promise of super-fast broadband for six rural exchanges

07.01.2011

2,495 rural exchanges in the UK remain beyond the reach of high-speed internet. With government promises to address this problem, BT recently made a small step in the right direction with its 'Race to Infinity' competition.

ideaSpace member Dan Spencer campaigned tirelessly with a team of volunteers to see their exchange benefit from an upgrade from ADSL to fibre-based delivery – posting leaflets, knocking on doors and organising village gatherings.

One of the six winners in the competition, Dan and his team will see the Madingley exchange lifted from being "an internet footpath to an internet motorway".

With a touch of irony, the team used an online tracking system to monitor their objectives and achievements. Another winner, John Buckley of Whitchurch in Hampshire, said "It’ll make the town a better place for home working and as a business location. The competition has helped develop the community spirit in the town with so many people working closely together."