Long-distance Skype call tests new Abthorpe super-fast broadband service

The arrival of super-fast broadband in Abthorpe, South Northamptonshire has been marked by a video call between two residents and their granddaughter in Singapore.

Not-for-profit company the Abthorpe Broadband Association (ABbA) uses a fibre optic cable to deliver broadband connectivity to St Lois School at Lois Weedon. This is then transmitted across the Tove Valley to the church tower in Wappenham, where it is broadcast to the communities of Abthorpe, Slapton, Weston, Foscote and Wappenham via Wi-Fi.

To test the service, Barbara and Eric Malcomson used Skype to contact their six-year-old granddaughter Madi, who was relaxing near a swimming pool at her Singapore home, reports About My Area.

The launch event also saw villagers eat specially commissioned cakes adorned with the ABbA logo.

ABbA has been delivering broadband throughout Abthorpe and Slapton for the last decade and recently decided to start offering super-fast speeds as no commercial provider is planning to roll out such a service in the area.