August 16, 2011 11.27 am This story is over 163 months old

Lincolnshire gets £14m broadband boost

Broadband bid: Lincolnshire’s broadband might improve thanks to bumper funding from the governmemt.

Lincolnshire’s broadband “not-spots” could be turned in broadband “hot-spots” due to a project gaining a £14 million grant from Government.

The project by Lincolnshire County Council aims to improve broadband provisions for individuals and businesses across the county.

The money was given to the authority as part of a national scheme to make sure 90% of properties have access to superfast broadband (25 Mbps) by 2015.

Councillor Eddy Poll, Executive Member for Economic Development, said: “This money will help kick-start the rollout of first-class broadband across the county.

“Fast broadband isn’t a luxury – it’s vital to business growth, to enabling local residents to access online services, and to young people wanting to download learning materials.

“This grant will give greater internet speeds for a significant number of properties. We’ll then work on community-led solutions to improve things for the remaining homes and businesses.

“That way, we’ll ensure that Lincolnshire’s not left behind as we move into the digital age.”

The grant is supplemented by investment from private and public sectors, and aims to help those who will not receive fast broadband from the private sector.

The funding comes after Ofcom found that Lincolnshire’s broadband speeds were below the national average.

Residents can encourage suppliers to invest a broadband infrastructure in the county by supporting the authority’s broadband website, OnLincolnshire.

Source: Lincolnshire County Council | Photo: Firas