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Notts broadband proposals submitted to govt
Monday 20th February 2012, by Harry Wallis
Nottinghamshire County Council has submitted its £17 million plan for improved broadband deals to the government.
The authority is hoping to improve internet access for around 116,000 businesses and households, thanks to its own funding and £8.5 million from the appointed telecommunications contractor.
This follows the government's allocation of £4.25 million of funding towards broadband upgrades in the area, but this amount will not be confirmed by April.
At the moment, the authority is waiting to see if district and borough councils in the county will add money to the scheme, and is seeking extra funding from European sources.
Nottinghamshire County Council's plan will focus on properties that will be unaffected by BT's superfast roll-out, in order to ensure that the premises are not left without connectivity.
It is hoped that the improvement works will start in early 2013. However, it is currently exploring new technologies, including the potential for satellite broadband to be used in secluded regions.
Councillor Kay Cutts, leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: "Faster broadband access is critical for the future prosperity of Nottinghamshire and all its residents. Without the faster connections, business growth will be shackled and we will risk losing ground on the rest of the UK."
Ms Cutts emphasised that the authority is determined to guarantee isolated areas are not deprived of good internet connections.
She added that the council will back its broadband ambitions with a substantial amount of money, while welcoming other councils' acknowledgement of the importance of broadband.
The significance of broadband in rural areas was highlighted by the environment secretary Caroline Spelman, who wrote in a column for the Daily Telegraph that the government is planning to create a level of playing field for country premises.
Ms Spelman noted that rural communities and businesses have been left on their own to tackle problems with internet connectivity.
Categories: Broadband
