Moves to get broadband internet access in Shoebury and other parts of south Essex could be met by a company's new service.

Residents in some parts of the county have been getting together to request the faster access.

A flat monthly fee for connection provides fast download times and commercial advantages for business.

But because of conversion costs, British Telecom is converting its telephone exchanges to enable them to handle broadband signals only where there is most demand.

As a result, the East of England Development Agency has launched an internet campaign for people in rural areas who can't get connected to register their interest in broadband access.

The high-speed internet access process has been denied to subscribers east of Southend Pier.

But now a company in Chelmsford is hoping to provide the service for businesses and residents in the Shoebury area.

Dantech Broadband, of Highwood Road in Writtle, is looking for 60 subscribers to the service.

This will allow it to set up equipment in Danbury which would provide access for an area with a 30km radius, therefore covering Southend.

The firm said if a number of people living in the same road wanted the service they could pitch in together and pay to receive it from the radio receiver on a company's building.

Chartered surveyor Ken Gage, who works from his home in Wakering Road, said: "We need broadband access to run our businesses effectively and competitively, but BT are putting up hurdles. We are increasingly desperate."

Another small home-grown IT company has been challenging BT by offering internet broadband facilities to Hawkwell and other areas where it is currently unobtainable.

Lavron Technology, based in Rochford, aims to proclaim the virtues of small local providers over the multinational giants.

Published Thursday, January 16, 2003

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