More than 500 businesses in digitally deprived pockets of the UK have signed up to broadband services being offered by superfast infrastructure firm ITS Technology Group.
In the last two months uptake has accelerated from just 25 customers to more than 500 businesses signing up and utilising the government's BDUK (Broadband Delivery UK) voucher scheme designed to get 95% of the UK connected to superfast broadband by 2017.
With the first 100 customers now receiving services, ITS is connecting businesses at a rate of 80 a week, and more are signing up all the time in a bid to finally get access to a superfast service.
With many located on purpose built business parks across the UK, and having struggled to access speeds of up to 2Mbps, it goes to show that digital deprivation isn't limited to the rural population.
Roy Shelton, Group CEO of ITS, said: "Digital exclusion is more often associated with rural not spot locations, but in the course of our business, it is just as apparent in urban locations.
"Many of the businesses that have just signed up with us, have been over promised and under delivered to by a number of broadband suppliers; and with the only alternatives being to lease dedicated lines, put up and make do, or relocate, they have felt hard done by.
"ITS' services not only offer them a cost effective solution, but as the connection is subsidised by the government's BDUK voucher scheme, it means that superfast broadband is now accessible to businesses of all shapes and sizes that fit the criteria.
"These services are transformational in that it allows these businesses to take full advantage of what connectivity has to offer including access to a plethora of cloud-based services which will help them to collaborate and improve."