The Digital Derbyshire superfast fibre broadband rollout programme, which is supported by Derbyshire County Council, could be in line to receive further funding.

Around £27.67 million has already been invested in the project - which aims to bring better and faster internet to homes and businesses throughout the county - but the council is now trying to raise an additional £2.19 million to be able to secure the same amount from the government.

Joan Dixon, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, said: "We're looking at external funding sources and working hard to find the extra £2.19 million needed to secure the government funding. Any extra funding we receive would be pumped into boosting speeds for premises in those hardest-to-reach areas."

She explained that many parts of the county have not been able to access fibre broadband from commercial rollout programmes due to their rural nature.

However, the council has signed a contract with BT to ensure faster broadband can be brought to a further 88,000 residential and commercial properties throughout the county, meaning 95 per cent of the area should be connected to the technology by 2016.

Add a comment

Comment

Your name

Your e-mail address

Comments (0)