Cash boost will help deliver faster broadband

PLANS to deliver faster broadband speeds to the whole county by 2015 remain firmly on course after a £3.35million cash boost from the Government.

The funding from Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) will be ploughed into the county council's Connecting Worcestershire project.

That's on top of the £8.5million which has already been set aside by the council to help fund the delivery of superfast broadband (30mpbs) to 90 per cent of Worcestershire by 2015.

The remaining ten per cent of the county will be able to access at least 2mpbs.

Over the next few months the council will begin negotiations with suppliers to start work on the infrastructure needed to deliver faster speeds for homes and businesses.

Coun Adrian Hardman, Worcestershire County Council's leader, said the funding boost marked a great day for the county.

"This funding will help us to further support the local economy as slower broadband speeds restrict the ability for businesses to operate," he said.

"We are committed to ensuring Worcestershire is Open for Business and faster broadband will support local businesses and add to the county's attractiveness for businesses looking to relocate."

Coun David Thain, the council's cabinet member for Transformation and Change, said they would continue to seek private sector investment to ensure faster broadband becomes a reality as quickly as possible.

People can find out more and show their support for faster broadband in Worcestershire by visiting www.worcestershire.gov.uk/broadband.

Regional news »