The digital divide that hampers the efforts of rural businesses to harness the benefits of broadband technology could be overcome by clever use of wireless networks and satellite receivers.

A European Space Agency sponsored project is about to start trialing a system that aims to bring high-speed internet connections to rural areas in England and Scotland. The benefits could be huge, boosting rural economies and enlarging the market for satellite technologies.

Most European countries are still facing a disparity in internet accessibility between rural and urban areas. Businesses trying to move out of towns and into the countryside sometimes find broadband access had yet to reach their chosen location.

The ESA is working with UK companies Avanti Communications and Rural Solution, as well as France’s Eutelsat to develop a system that combines a two-way satellite connection and Wireless Local Area Network. The use of existing technologies keeps costs down and Wireless LAN is quick and easy to install, avoiding the need to lay reams of cable.

The system is cost effective, the ESA reports, as one terminal can be shared among a group of users. The technology allows those using the terminal to be position up to two kilometres away.

The imminent trial will involve 24 UK business parks, each averaging five end-users.