Switch on Shropshire was a three year project which aimed to offer broadband access for businesses and the community of Shropshire.

Shropshire Broadplaces have continued since the project ended in March 2007. More information can be found at www.shropshirebroadplaces.org.uk

The Switch on Shropshire project aimed to:

Overcome market failure regarding broadband provision in Shropshire Assist the economic development and economic well-being of Shropshire by providing Shropshire businesses with the same opportunities as their urban counterparts Promote social inclusion in rural communities Build capacity for future developments and services to the community

The project has been awarded European and Rural Regeneration Zone funding. These funds together with private sector contributions give the project a total value of £4.79 million.

The project is based upon two key groups/themes:

For Business Find out more in our For Business section Switch on Shropshire's support for business was delivered by Business Link's ICT team who managed a range of initiatives.

For Communities Find out more in our For Communities section We have developed "Broadplace" broadband centres in village halls and community centres where broadband access is not available.

There were 2 phases:

A research, pilot and evaluation phase (Phase 1) Rolling out the scheme on a wider basis (Phase 2)

Different technologies

Switch On Shropshire aims to promote and enable broadband access in remote rural areas largely by using Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) technology. Unfortunately this isn't always economic or possible. In circumstances where ADSL cannot be used, alternative technologies will be researched such as:

• Unlicensed radio.

• Power Line Communications (PLC).

• Satellite

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