BROADBAND campaigners in Ross-on-Wye are celebrating after BT confirmed the date when the new technology will be available in the town.

From Wednesday, July 30, people served by Ross exchange will be able to enjoy the benefits of high speed internet access.

BT has been working closely with Ross Chamber of Commerce to raise awareness about the benefits of the new Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) broadband technology.

Delight

Maarten Roes-Francken, who spearheaded the chamber's campaign to bring broadband to the area, said he was delighted a date had now been set.

He has been supported by BT regional manager, Ian Binks, who provided campaigners with leaflets, flyers and posters, to raise awareness among the local community and, in turn, to encourage more people to register their interest with one of the participating service providers.

Under BT's pre-registration scheme, introduced to help BT target investment where there is a proven demand for the technology, service providers then passed on the information to BT so progress could be monitored and genuine interest evaluated.

It costs BT between £250,000 and £500,000 to upgrade an exchange.

Following some furious campaigning and routine checks, BT was able to confirm Ross had hit its trigger target at the beginning of May, after service providers had told BT more than 400 people had confirmed they would be interested in using the technology.

Mr Roes-Francken said: "We are delighted a date has now been set when ADSL broadband will be available in Ross-on-Wye. We have been campaigning hard with the support of BT and our members are now looking forward to exploiting the technology to achieve and sustain economic growth and prosperity."

Now a switch on date has been set, local people can pre-order broadband with one of the many participating service providers. More information is available by logging on to: www.bt.com/broadband