Northumberland to turn in broadband proposal for funding

The government launched the Broadband Delivery UK program last year with the goal of bringing universal broadband access with speeds of at least 2Mbps to the entire country. Another goal was to bring next-generation broadband technology to at least ninety percent of the UK by the year 2015. Meeting these targets for broadband were important for the well-being and growth of the British economy.

In line with this, the government had announced that local councils who wanted to avail of the funds from BDUK to improve their respective county’s broadband network and services should turn in their plans and proposals by February 2012. Funds that have been set aside for distribution are around the £530 million mark.

The Northumberland County Council has turned in their broadband plan in order to access £7 million worth of funding from the BDUK. The council has drawn up a local broadband plan, with match funding and private sector funding to maximise the funds.

The county council’s executive explained that the Northumberland Local Broadband Plan focuses on three main elements: development of a fibre and wireless-based broadband infrastructure in Northumberland; demand stimulation (which will encourage more people to use broadband and superfast broadband); digital inclusion (which will let more people access the Internet).

The report also states: “In addition to the £530 million fund, Defra have launched a rural broadband fund of £20million to support rural homes and businesses to receive superfast broadband. The deadline for expressions of interest is January 31, 2012, and the council is engaging with interested parties to bid for funds. Clearly though, demand will be high nationally, and the fund is limited and requires match funding from the private sector.”

Source – Northumberland Gazette