Great News for Broadband
High speed broadband for homes and businesses across Rutland moved a huge step closer today (Wednesday 14 September 2011) with the announcement that Rutland is one of just two council’s in the whole country to be named as a ‘special project’ by BDUK. Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) want to use Rutland to show the effect of introducing high speed broadband to every town and village in a relatively small rural area. As part of this announcement, it has also been confirmed that Rutland’s broadband plan has been approved and the county will receive £710,000 of national funding.
Deputy Leader of Rutland County Council, Councillor Terry King (pictured right) says: “This is fantastic news for the county and is the result of a lot of hard work by a small team at the council. The impact of introducing high speed broadband to an estimated 99% of homes and businesses across Rutland by 2013 should not be underestimated. It’s my view that this is one of the most important projects for the local economy that the council will deliver in the next 2 years.”
Terry King added: “A substantial amount of work has already taken place and we’re now in the final stages of appointing a preferred partner to work with us. This partnership is essential as broadband technology is a high-tech area and you need to have a considerable amount of expertise on board to make a project of this nature successful.”
MP Alan Duncan ‘This is a coup for Rutland. The Council and I have fought hard for this investment which will turn Rutland from a broadband black spot into a broadband hot spot. In a time of change for the County, this funding represents a shot in the arm for local businesses and communities and will underpin growth in the County. Rutland can face the future with confidence.’
The Digital Rutland campaign from Rutland County Council hopes to make huge improvements to the broadband network, dramatically improving broadband speeds for local homes and businesses by 2013. Read the full comments on Alan Duncan's website.
Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt commented: “Superfast broadband is essential for economic growth and, increasingly, for our day-to-day lives. “Many rural areas suffer poor internet access and the Government will not allow parts of the UK to miss out on the digital age. “I am delighted that Rutland shares 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 enables internet users to access information much faster than they would using a dial-up connection. A good broadband connection allows users to download large files or display web pages in a matter of seconds.
The need for improved broadband is a key strategic priority for the Council in terms of supporting and sustaining economic growth.
Interested residents and businesses can find out more about the project by visiting www.rutland.gov.uk/digitalrutland and viewing the Digital Rutland strategy.
