£1bn broadband fund for rural communities
RURAL communities in the North West and parts of the region without access to next generation broadband will benefit from a share of £1bn of Government investment.
Announced by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, the fund will be shared nationwide.
He said the investment would upgrade the country’s digital infrastructure to bring super-fast broadband to 90% of the country.
The aim of the Next Generation Fund will provide the UK with a world class communications network to bolster innovation and services in digital content.
Launching a consultation on how proceeds from the Next Generation Fund should be spent, Lord Mandelson said: “This investment is about bringing the future of broadband to areas of the country that would otherwise miss out. We cannot underestimate the opportunities this will bring for homes and businesses which is why we are taking action to make sure everyone benefits.
“Already the market is delivering superfast internet speeds of 50Mbps to half the country but we cannot be certain that it will reach the communities that are not currently served, which is why we are putting in an extra £1billion to support the market.
“By upgrading our networks we will put the UK at the fore of rapidly developing technologies which will bring jobs, boost business potential and grow our digital economy.”
Ministers are keen to ensure that new technology reaches all areas and locations with little or no broadband provision are sure to benefit from the fund.
