450 SMEs in Yorkshire and Humberside are to get broadband satellite access for nowt as part of a year-long trial in the region.

The "Proof of Concept" project is being funded by £3.1m from the DTI and run by Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency for Yorkshire and Humberside.

It selected broadband satellite outfit, Aramiska, to provide the service ahead of BT and Kingston Communications. All the companies taking part in the project have already been selected.

Those behind the project believe it could help economic growth in an area that does not have the infrastructure to support terrestrial broadband.

A spokesperson for Yorkshire Forward said: "We believe the true value of broadband rests with the improved communication and increased business efficiency it will deliver to the SME community. We are opening a door of opportunity for local companies to embrace new technology, grow their business and increase the ICT skills within their organisation."

Last month BT confirmed that a scheme to bring broadband to Cornwall using both public and private sector funding is to be expanded.

ACT NOW - which was launched in April - is backed by European cash. Partners in the scheme include BT, Cornwall County Council and the South West of England Regional Development Agency. ®

Cornwall gets even more broadband