Norfolk and Suffolk to benefit from faster broadband- thanks to over £300 million funding package
promises that areas like Beccles and the Broads to receive lightening fast speeds, from next summer
Rural parts of Norfolk and Suffolk are set to benefit from faster broadband from next summer- thanks to over £300 million of new funding
It's part of the government’s £5 billion plan to roll out gigabit-broadband across the country. Which promises that areas like Beccles and the Broads to receive lightening fast speeds
The Government say this will benefit over 200,000 rural homes and businesses.
Survey work is starting immediately, with this first being installed in the New Year and going live from Summer 2024.
"Key to the Government’s plans for driving economic growth"
John Whittingdale is Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure:
“Access to lightning-speed broadband is key to the Government’s plans for driving economic growth and levelling up communities. This investment of £318 million in government funding is a significant milestone in achieving that mission.
“Delivered through our flagship Project Gigabit programme, 218,000 homes and businesses across Norfolk, Suffolk, and Hampshire will benefit from a modern digital infrastructure, helping to power local communities and our plan to boost connectivity all over the UK.”
"It is essential for the future of the local economy"
Cllr Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said:
"As a rural county, we welcome the announcement of £100m for providing fast, reliable broadband to some 80,000 premises across Suffolk. This will build on our Better Broadband for Suffolk programme which has helped to deliver wider access to superfast broadband.
“Not only will this investment in our digital infrastructure help to keep our residents connected, but, since many of Suffolk's small businesses are operated from households across the county, it is essential for the future of the local economy."
"We can often feel left behind with slower internet speeds"
Cllr Jane James, Norfolk County Council Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Innovation, said:
“We are thrilled that Norfolk will benefit from such a big investment in our digital infrastructure. As a rural county, with numerous small towns and villages, we can often feel left behind with slower internet speeds, but to increase speed and reliability in the network for over 60,000 homes and businesses is a great step in the right direction.”
"In neighbouring Suffolk, an injection of £100 million of government funding will make around 80,000 gigabit-capable broadband connections possible for people living in hamlets, villages and towns such as Icklingham, Mellis and Ringshall.
"Local people will further benefit from CityFibre’s commitment to donate to charities operating in the county, working to connect people, tackle loneliness and reduce health inequalities through innovative digital solutions.
"The supplier will also provide a minimum of 30 free full-fibre gigabit-capable connections and six months of free internet access to community centres.