B4RN Features
Who are B4RN Broadband?
Broadband for the Rural North Ltd known as ‘B4RN’ Broadband is a registered non-profit community venture run by a team of local landowners and volunteers. As the name suggests it's a rural broadband service covering a limited area in the North of England. It was founded in Lancashire in 2011 and led by Industry expert Barry Forde. Barry's innovative social enterprise demonstrates that a community approach can deliver a world class broadband network at a sensible price. It's the community based approach that has led to B4RN being so successful. Their expanding broadband network has an average take up of 65% of all properties in the area that they cover. B4RN currently supply gigabit broadband to over 7000 homes and businesses. Any profit B4RN makes can only be distributed to the community, so by getting connected you're helping support your local community!
What's the cost of B4RN Broadband?
B4RN broadband offers 1000Mbps (1Gbps) as standard. To be fair you're unlikely to need broadband at that speed, but it's nice to know you're ready for the future! There's an option to upgrade to 10Gbps, but thats just showing off! B4RN are so confident about their product and service that they offer all broadband packages on a one-month rolling contract. So, if you need to terminate your contract, you just need to give them 10 days notice. If you're lucky enough to be in a B4RN catchment area, here's a list of current prices. All prices are inclusive of VAT.
Domestic household
One off connection fee £150
£30 per month for broadband
Business customers
Micro businesses (1-5 employees)*
One off connection fee £150
£30 per month for broadband
Small businesses (6-15 employees)*
One off connection fee £150
£60 per month for broadband
Medium businesses (over 15 employees)*
One off connection fee £150
£150 per month for broadband
*Holiday cottages, caravan sites, schools, larger businesses, hotels, churches etc all have special pricing plans that take into account their special circumstances.
10Gbps Broadband Option
One off connection fee £360
£150 per month for broadband
What area do B4RN Broadband cover?
This B4RN map was checked November 2021
Can I get B4RN Broadband?
Abbeystead
Arkholme & Newton
Aughton
Barbon & Middleton
Bleasdale
Borwick & Priest Hutton
Brookhouse
Burrow
Burton-in-Kendal
Calder Vale
Cantsfield
Capernwray
Casterton
Caton and Brookhouse
Cautley
Chapel-le-Dale
Chipping
Clapham
Claughton & Caton Green
Cowan Bridge, Leck
& Ireby, Masongill
Crooklands
Dentdale
Docker
Dolphinholme
Dunsop Bridge
Frostrow & Millthrop
Firbank, Howgill
& Marthwaite, Killington
Garsdale
Gawthrop
Goosnargh
Gressingham & Eskrigg
Halton
Heversham
Hincaster
Hornby
Howgill
Hutton Roof & High Biggins
Ingleton
Inglewhite
Kearstwick
Keasden
Kirkby Lonsdale
Levens
Lawkland, Eldroth, Wharfe
& Feizor, Austwick
Low Bentham
Lowgill & Tatham Fells
Lupton
Mansergh
Melling
Nether Kellet
Oakenclough
Over Kellet
Overtown
Preston Patrick, Old Hutton
& Homescales, New Hutton
Preston Richard
Quernmore
Rathmell
Roeburndale & Littledale
Sedbergh (Rural)
Selside
Silverdale
Stainton
Storth
Strickland Roger
Thornton-in-Lonsdale
Tunstall
Wennington
Whittington
Wray
Wrayton
Yealand Conyers
Yealand Redmayne
Allendale Town
Catton
Whitfield
Capenhurst & Ledsham
Scole
Tivetshall
Burston and Shimpling
Burton-in-Kendal
Calder Vale
Caton
Crosthwaite
Dunsop Bridge
Heversham
Inglewhite
Ingleton
Levens
Nether Wyresdale
Over Kellet
Preston Richard
Strickland Roger
Witherslack
Tivetshall
Burston and Shimpling
Burton, Ness & Puddington
Strickland Roger
East Anglia - Tivetshall
Is B4RN the same as other ISPs?
It's a great service and a fantastic price but there are a few things you should be aware of:
If you want B4RN Broadband, you need to be prepared to get your hands dirty. Unlike most other companies providing FTTP Broadband B4RN request that you dig your own cable duct from your property to the boundary wall. This task can be undertaken by you or a contractor but is your responsibility to organise. B4RN will advise you of the best route to use and what they require.
Unlike most other ISPs B4RN don’t offer customers the option of an email service. So, you will need to use a third-party email service provider. There are plenty of free email providers to choose from like: Google Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, Proton Mail, Apple iCloud etc. Most ISPs will allow you to retain your email address when you leave, however this may become a subscription service. If you’re currently with BT, when you cancel your broadband service, any email addresses associated with your account will remain active for 60 days. After 60 days, you will no longer have access unless you choose to transfer your BT email account to ‘BT premium email’. BT charge £7.50 per month for this service.
As B4RN broadband don’t offer a phoneline service, you will need to arrange a VoIP (voice over IP) phone service like Vonage if you wish to still have a landline number. VOIP service providers will usually allow you to port your existing phone number but this must be done before you cancel your phone contract. It’s worth noting that during a power cut, unlike a phone connected to a traditional copper line, a VoIP phone will not be operational. People for whom this presents a problem, may want to consider using a UPS (uninterruptable power supply i.e. back up battery) device.
FasterBroadband are not affiliated with or sponsored by B4RN Broadband. Our promotion is based on community support. We welcome all feedback and customer reviews. If you wish to contribute or spot a community area that we haven't listed, please drop us an email so we can promote it!
For further information visit the B4RN website: www.b4rn.org.uk
Wireless alternative option
If B4RN are not available Boundless Networks is one of the UK’s leading fixed wireless networks which spans across Lancashire and Yorkshire. Boundless Networks
4G & 5G alternative option
Compare 4G & 5G broadband options for rural homes and businesses.