BUSINESSES in Dartford will be among the first in the country to benefit from the next generation of broadband connectivity. The new technology, SDSL (symmetrical digital subscriber line), will enable business users in Dartford to embrace broadband technology and benefit from fast and reliable Internet at an affordable price.

ADSL, a service delivered exclusively through BT, is the only choice for those businesses wishing to invest in broadband. ADSL boasts fast download times and an always-on connection at an affordable price. But, due to extended periods of downtime, ADSL has failed to live up to expectations over the last couple of years, leaving customers feeling frustrated.

SDSL on the other hand, claims all the advantages of ADSL without the historical problems. It is fast, often faster than ADSL, not just at downloading information from the Internet but also uploading data.

Star Internet is the UK's largest independent ISP and the first to offer the new SDSL service. It has worked closely with Fibernet, the telecoms provider, to bring the service to Dartford and will continue to extend the service to other regions of the UK. Jos White, managing director of Star Internet, said: "The launch of SDSL in Dartford is hugely important for such a rapidly expanding commercial centre. Businesses in Dartford will be among the first to take advantage of this cutting edge technology, enabling them to use the Internet to its full potential. By providing a service level agreement, Star is offering its customers not just technical support but peace of mind."