Broadband News

DEAL SIGNED TO BRING FASTER BROADBAND TO RURAL AREAS

Herefordshire Council, Gloucestershire County Council and BT have signed a £56.6m deal which should enable 90 per cent of homes and businesses in the two counties to have access to fibre broadband by the end of 2016, with the ultimate aim to provide access to broadband speeds of 24 megabits per second (Mbps) or above for all who want it by 2018.

The aim of the councils’ partnership is to have a majority of homes and businesses covered by this project able to enjoy speeds of 30 Mbps or more, and all areas will receive a minimum of 2Mbps.

The project is a joint initiative between national government and the two authorities to address the challenge of
bringing broadband to rural areas to support local businesses and enable households to access services.

Homes and businesses that are harder to reach with a fixed fibre line will be connected using alternative new broadband technologies. Also, Herefordshire Council has allocated additional financial support for businesses and homes that can demonstrate a need for faster speeds.

There will now be a period of planning carried out by BT, with work expected to start on the ground during the second half of next year and being completed by the end of 2016.

For more information on the Borders Broadband project visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/broadband