Elon Musk scheme links up Blakeney Point and Grime's Graves

Blakeney Point in north Norfolk and Grime's Graves, in Weeting near Thetford, have been chosen for an innovative study into how low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites can be used to improve coverage in remote areas.

The trial has seen both sites linked up with the Starlink satellite - which is operated by the billionaire's Space X company -  as it orbits the planet.

Aerial photograph of Blakeney Point, taken by Mike Page (Image: Archant)

The beauty spots were chosen due to being among the most difficult in the country to equip with traditional broadband infrastructure such as cables, pylons and masts.

They are two of 11 sites in the study. Others include a Roman fort in Northumberland, one of the most remote Shetland Islands and a mountain rescue base in Snowdonia.

The trial, which was launched by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology in October, found the satellites were providing faster speed than copper cables are often able to.

A department spokesman said: "We have found from the trial that in these locations, satellites can deliver speeds of up to 200 megabits per second, well above the speeds capable via copper cables used in hard-to-reach areas today."

Blakeney Point, which is known for its seal colonies, was chosen due to its lifeboat house providing a base for the National Trust.

Its importance as a breeding site for terns during spring and summer months and grey seals means it is not suitable for traditional infrastructure.
Grime's Graves, one of the world's best-preserved flint mines, was selected to help boost connectivity for people running it as a heritage site.

Other sites included in the trial were the Isle of Gigha and the Loch of Strathbeg, both in Scotland, and Lundy Island in Devon.