THOUSANDS more rural homes and businesses will be able to receive a high-speed Internet connection this week.

Broadband was switched on at 11 exchanges across North Yorkshire yesterday.

The move means 2,300 homes and businesses, previously told by BT it was not commercially viable to provide them with broadband, will receive the service.

The exchanges were upgraded following a £2.2m investment by the regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward.

Jim Farmery, head of technology infrastructure at Yorkshire Forward, said: "This is another significant milestone for the region as we move towards our objective of 100 per cent broadband in Yorkshire.

"The potential benefits for individuals and businesses living in rural areas, previously without broadband provision, are huge and we are delighted to be playing our part in bringing about this very positive transformation."

Sue Mould, BT's regional manager for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "Broadband has the power to transform the way we live and work. The enablement of these very rural exchanges will open up new opportunities for people working and living in these areas."

The 11 exchanges to get broadband are Arncliffe, Brandsby, Coverdale, Cracoe, Goathland, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Lockton, North Grimston, North Stainley, Wainstones and West Heslerton.

It is hoped all BT's 346 exchanges in Yorkshire will be switched on to broadband by the end of the year.

The availability of broadband can be checked at www.bt.com/broadband