The Cones and Quickline Delivering Digital Literacy
In a heartening effort to bridge the digital divide, hundreds of primary school pupils across West Yorkshire are being gifted free copies of a brand-new children’s book—thanks to rural broadband provider Quickline Communications.
Titled Cones and Rural Broadband, this engaging storybook was commissioned by Quickline and authored by Chris Madeley. It is the latest instalment in a beloved series that brings animated traffic cones to life, helping children explore different industries and careers. The book not only introduces young readers to broadband technology but also reinforces essential health and safety messages in a fun and accessible way.
The initiative kicked off with a special event at the University of Bradford, where the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Beverley Mullaney, joined around 100 pupils and teachers from eight West Yorkshire schools to celebrate the book’s launch.
Encouraging Curiosity and Learning
Chris Madeley, the creative mind behind the Cones series, expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “The real purpose behind the Cones book series is to show children opportunities available to them when they grow up, teach them about different industries and careers, and to get them engaged.
“I thoroughly enjoyed working with Quickline on this book, explaining the importance of rural connectivity. It’s been really interesting learning about the technology and explaining it in a way that children will understand.”
Councillor Mullaney also shared her support for the initiative: “I’m delighted that the latest instalment of this wonderful educational book series has been launched in Bradford. I hope the children enjoy reading this book and others in the series, discovering different industries, and understanding the importance of safety through the adventures of the cone characters.”
Quickline’s Commitment to Education and Connectivity
Quickline Communications has long championed digital inclusion, and this project aligns seamlessly with its mission to support communities with innovative broadband solutions. CEO Sean Royce highlighted the significance of the donation: “We’re delighted to support primary schools across Yorkshire with this donation. The books provide a fun and engaging way for young people to learn about broadband and safety while also sparking an interest in the telecommunications industry.
“At Quickline, we believe in leaving a lasting legacy in the communities we serve. By mixing the best of both worlds—reading books and using digital tools—we can help our young people to learn, create, and imagine the future.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in this fantastic project for helping us get these books into the hands of local children.”
Expanding Digital Access in Rural Areas
Beyond this educational initiative, Quickline is actively rolling out full-fibre broadband to more than 28,000 additional homes and businesses in West Yorkshire as part of the UK government’s Project Gigabit. The programme is designed to deliver lightning-fast, reliable broadband to areas that would otherwise be left behind by commercial broadband providers.
As one of the key delivery partners in the national initiative, Quickline is spearheading efforts to close the digital divide between urban and rural areas. With public contracts totalling around £300 million in subsidies, the company is ensuring that rural communities benefit from the same high-speed connectivity as city dwellers.
The Broader Impact of Project Gigabit
Project Gigabit is a £5 billion investment from the UK government aimed at providing gigabit-capable broadband to hard-to-reach areas. The goal is to achieve 85% coverage by 2025, ensuring that businesses, schools, and households across the country can access high-speed internet.
For rural communities, this initiative is a game-changer. High-speed broadband is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for education, healthcare, and economic development. By expanding access, Quickline and other providers are paving the way for a more connected and digitally empowered future.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
The Cones and Rural Broadband project is about more than just giving away books—it’s about inspiring curiosity and digital literacy among young learners. By introducing broadband technology in an engaging format, Quickline is helping children understand the vital role that connectivity plays in modern life.
With continued investments in both infrastructure and educational outreach, initiatives like this ensure that no community is left behind. As technology advances and digital skills become even more critical, fostering early interest in connectivity and innovation will shape the future workforce and strengthen communities.
