AFTER being without high speed internet for years, two different broadband services could launch in Upton in the next few weeks.

Worcester-based company Serv-IT Ltd launched its wireless broadband service, Air-Band, across the Hanley Swan and Welland areas on Monday and has 30 businesses and about 35 residents signed up.

Now preparations are underway to extend the service to Upton very soon.

BT's broadband service, which uses state-of-the-art digital technology (ADSL), requires local telephone exchanges to be upgraded, a process BT are reluctant to undertake if demand for the service is not high in that area.

Last week, BT announced the trigger level for its service was 200 registrations of interest.

So far 157 have signed up, meaning as soon as another 43 are collected then BT will start upgrading the exchange.

The arrival of the service is good news for those wanting faster internet access.

Broadband allows quicker web browsing and faster download speeds.

The BT service requires users to purchase a special modem, while Airband's wireless service uses a special antenna which is usually added to the television aerial.