November 27, 2012
England

Villagers’ turbine fears over broadband link

BBC News | 27 November 2012 | www.bbc.co.uk

Residents in a west Devon village fear they could lose their broadband service if an 80-metre (262 ft) wind turbine is built nearby.

Villagers in Northlew say the turbine could disrupt a wi-fi network providing internet coverage for 500 people.

The village runs a community broadband service accessed by more than 150 households in the area.

Energy 4 All said it would work with villagers to safeguard the system if the turbine was built.

Spokesman John Malone said: “We need to be absolutely sure there are no negative impacts, so we’re looking at that now.

“The advice we’re getting is there is a possibility [of interference] but it is unlikely. We need to undertake the appropriate assessments.”

The turbine, which is proposed for nearby Inwardleigh, would be a community project allowing local people to buy shares in the turbine from £250 and then make a return on that investment.

It is one of three being proposed in Devon, the others being near Barnstaple and near Totnes.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/11/27/villagers-turbine-fears-over-broadband-link/