Hot spot: Government approves plans that would see superfast internet available to 90% of Lincolnshire by 2015.
Plans that would see 90% of Lincolnshire properties receive broadband speeds of at least 24Mbps by 2015 have been given the green light.
The County Council’s proposal aims to provide 2Mbps connections to the other 10%, which would be able to enjoy faster connections by 2017.
County Councillor Kelly Smith said: “This isn’t a luxury – that’s why the county council is investing £10m in this project, despite the difficult financial climate.
“The next five years will see around £57 million of private and public sector money invested in broadband technology.
“Now our plan has been approved, we can get started on making our ambitions a reality.
“Over the next year, we’ll be finalising arrangements with our private sector partner and confirming the district councils’ contribution.
“Where possible, we’ll create opportunities for local businesses to become involved. We should see some of the improvements starting to take effect from as early as 2013.”
The council is also encouraging residents to build up a picture of the current situation by registering at www.onlincolnshire.org.
This will help prove to commercial suppliers that there is a demand in Lincolnshire for the next generation of broadband infrastructure.
– Later update: Ursula Lidbetter, Chairman of the Greater Lincolnshire Enterprise Partnership, said:
“It’s great news that the county’s plans have been approved at this early stage and that our district councils are finalising their £4 million contribution to add to the £10 million already committed by the County Council.”
Whatsapp
