PEOPLE in the remotest parts of North Yorkshire can get Government help to get online.

A scheme launched earlier this week offers up to £450 to help homes and businesses have decent internet access.

The scheme is turning to satellite internet services to reach parts of the rural Dales and Moor that cable networks cannot reach.

Rishi Sunak, the Tory MP for Richmond, has welcomed an initiative after he called for the scheme to be introduced last year, speaking in a House of Commons debate on broadband and also writing to Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey about the need for better broadband.

Mr Sunak, whose constituency covers some of the most sparsely populated parts of the county, said: “Fast broadband is a modern-day essential service, for families and businesses.

“This is great news for those who have been struggling with a very poor or non-existent connection.

Superfast broadband is currently being rolled out across the county and by 2017, it is said that 95 per cent of properties should have access to the superfast network.

The satellite voucher scheme gives an interim solution to the remaining five per cent. Provided they meet the eligibility criteria of not having a broadband connection with download speeds of 2mbs or more, they will be issued with a code which will enable them to order the satellite equipment from an approved retailer.

The voucher covers the cost of the equipment only. Users will have to pay a monthly subscription cost of up to £25 to the satellite service provider.

People eligible can apply for the voucher online at the Superfast North Yorkshire website - superfastnorthyorkshire.com.

In North Yorkshire, the scheme will be administered by Superfast North Yorkshire, North Yorkshire County Council’s broadband partner organisation. North Yorkshire County Council will meet the cost of the vouchers. Progress on the fibre superfast broadband network is continuing elsewhere in the county.