PARIS -- Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) today announced that the Tooway satellite broadband service provided by its Skylogic affiliate will be used in “The Rural Connection” project, run by Devon and Somerset County Councils, to bring high-speed Internet services to over 1,000 of the regions’ most rural homes and businesses. The service, delivered by specialist reseller partner, ToowayDirect, will connect residents and businesses to the Internet via a small satellite dish installed on the outside of the property.

The £1m investment will enable free installation of the Tooway satellite broadband service for users who live in the qualifying area. Customers will have access to download speeds of up to 10 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 4 Mbps and a range of tariffs, together with a programme of free ICT training and support. Devon and Somerset County Councils won EU funding for the project from the European Rural Development Programme for England, which is being matched by the private sector.

“The Rural Connection” project will significantly improve internet services to selected areas around the Devon and Somerset border that currently receive very slow or no broadband. Parts of the rural hinterlands of South Molton, Tiverton, Honiton, Cullompton and Axminster, together with Wheddon Cross on Exmoor, are covered.

Eutelsat Communications S.A.