NEW trials could speed up the arrival of a broadband internet connection in Weardale, attracting business and creating jobs.

Optimists are even dubbing the area 'silcone dale' with workers able to communicate across the globe at the touch of a button.

A consortium of businesses and residents called WeardaleNET is operating test sites in Stanhope over the next few weeks, using radio technology to connect to 25 receivers the size of paperback books.

If this is successful, the Stanhope network will be extended to homes and workplaces around the town before more trials are carried out in other dales communities.

WeardaleNET is offering the service with support from DurhamNET and the successful Cybermoor project in Alston, which operates one of the largest wireless broadband networks in the UK with over 300 users.

Radio technology has the advantage of up-load speeds as fast as download and a high band width.

Weardale Community Partnership has bought a computer for the Durham Dales Centre so that members of the public and businesses can try broadband for themselves.

Maitland Hyslop, head of Knowledge, Information and ICT at One NorthEast, launched the link at a seminar on Broadband in Rural Areas held at the Dales Centre.

He said: "Broadband enables this region to participate in the global economy. The scale of the benefits are almost immeasurable."

One NorthEast is funding a satellite system to some dales businesses, including a new call centre at Wolsingham. Broadband connections around the Wear Valley are generally sporadic.

Telecom company BT is upgrading telephone exchanges to provide ASDL facilities, but this is not yet available in Weardale.

Bob Swinbank, chairman of WeardaleNET, said: "Instead of playing catch up with other areas we have to provide something that is better that anywhere else at a cheaper cost.

"We want businesses to come here because of broadband, rather than despite it."

Paul Robinson, executive director at the Wear Valley Development Agency, said: "The first thing that people considering moving to the area want to know is whether there is a broadband connection.

"It is the single most important issue, even ahead of prices.