Suffolk and Rutland get the go-ahead for superfast broadband roll-out
‘Superfast broadband is essential for economic growth’ says Jeremy Hunt
Speaking at the RTS Cambridge Convention later today, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt will announce that work to take superfast broadband across Suffolk and Rutland can begin after their local broadband plans were approved.
“Superfast broadband is essential for economic growth and, increasingly, for our day-to-day lives,” said Mr Hunt. “I am delighted that Suffolk and Rutland share our view of the importance of providing people with superfast broadband access.
“I hope other authorities will follow their example and work to bring broadband to their areas as soon as possible.”
Broadband funding
Suffolk has been allocated £11.68m and Rutland has been allocated £700k of Government funding for broadband roll-out and the counties will now put the work out to tender. Rutland will also test the level of market interest in smaller-scale projects.
The Government is investing £530 million to ensure the UK has the best superfast broadband network in Europe by 2015, with 90% of homes and businesses having access to superfast broadband and everyone in the UK having access to at least 2Mbps.
County funding allocations are based on need within areas where the market will fail to deliver superfast broadband to enough premises on its own. It is not based on the number of people living or working in a county.