NEARLY 30,000 homes and businesses in the North-East will have access to broadband later this month when high-speed Internet technology is installed in telephone exchanges in the region.

In January, regional development agency One NorthEast announced its £10m plans to extend broadband to every community in the region by March next year, and appointed BT to deliver the agency's objectives.

It hopes that by giving even the remotest areas broadband access, the North-East will attract more investment.

Margaret Fay, One NorthEast chairwoman, said: "The connection of communities across the North-East, from North Northumberland to Tees Valley, forms part of our drive to ensure the North-East leads the country in terms of urban and rural broadband infrastructure, helping to break down the barriers faced by people currently outside the reach of this turbo-charged technology.

"High speed broadband access is an increasingly important factor for firms relocating, particularly in rural areas. We have seen a recent example of this in Wear Valley, where two firms - one from Germany - have decided to locate in the recently opened Innovation House in Bishop Auckland, specifically because of its broadband links."

A BT spokesman said businesses linked to broadband reported increased sales, greater cost savings, better productivity and improved employee satisfaction.

Anyone wanting to check the availability of broadband in their area can log on to www.bt.com/broadband.

Exchanges due to go live on Friday include Hartburn, in Teesside, Croft, in North Yorkshire, Sacriston, Dinsdale, Edmundbyers, Wellfield, West Auckland, Willington, Witton le Wear, and Whorlton, all in Durham.