Government scheme could bring fast broadband to rural Derbyshire

A £5billion incentive could bring next generation broadband to the heart of rural communities in north Derbyshire.

During a hosted by Derbyshire County Council, members of the D2 Joint Committee for Economic Prosperity heard from Roger Mendonca, of Midlands Connect, about how Project Gigabit could benefit Derbyshire.

He explained that the scheme aimed to create regional ‘Gigahubs’ in hard to reach areas using public buildings such as schools and NHS sites, claiming that 88 such sites had been identified in Derbyshire as potentially benefiting from it.

“The majority of them are in the rural areas in the north of the county,” Mr Mendonca added.

He said Derbyshire would not be asked to contribute financially in order to take part, but rather would be required to offer shared services and ‘in kind’ support.

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