Crynant and Cymmer will soon have access to high speed internet - Crynant from 13 April 2005 and Cymmer from 29 June 2005, meaning that by the end of June 2005 Neath Port Talbot will have 100% broadband coverage.
The Council's 'Get Connected' Broadband grant for businesses in the County Borough was launched in January 2004 for a 12 month period. It has been the driving force behind the increased broadband availability and achieving 100% broadband coverage for Neath Port Talbot within 16 months.
To support businesses in Crynant and Cymmer, the Council are now extending the "Get Connected" grant to eligible businesses in these areas only. A grant of £250 is available for connecting to broadband for 12 months. Eligible businesses will also have access to further funding, and advice on how broadband and IT can benefit their business.
Many businesses in Neath Port Talbot have already successfully applied for the broadband grant, helping their business to become more productive and competitive.
Huw Williams of Anchem Laboratories Ltd said, "For my business, dial up internet access has been a real obstacle. The availability of the grant prompted us to take up broadband, without the grant we would not have considered it at this stage. Broadband has allowed us to work more effectively, saving time and costs and it has already made a positive impact on our business. I am glad that the Council are addressing the needs of businesses in the area and it is refreshing to see that the application process is very simple."
Councillor Derek Vaughan, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council said, "We have taken the lead in developing broadband availability for the whole of the County Borough and we will soon have 100% coverage. Many businesses have already taken up broadband with the help of the Council's 'Get Connected' grant, and they are already benefiting from the impact of broadband on their businesses."
To apply for the grant, just call the Neath Port Talbot IT Support Centre on freephone 0800 013 1200. Further information can be found at www.neath-porttalbot.gov.uk/business/fa_broadband.cfm