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Rutland County Council commits to broadband upgrades
The local authority is keen to improve the county's internet access.
Last week, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced the successful applicants to receive a total of £50 million of public money earmarked for Broadband Delivery UK's funding plans.
Some 18 local authorities submitted bids for the cash, which will be used to boost existing home and business broadband infrastructure through a variety of solutions.
Devon and Somerset, Norfolk and Wiltshire were named as the successful applicants, meaning Rutland County Council (RCC) will have to wait for future government announcements or seek alternative funding methods.
However, deputy leader of RCC Terry King insisted the setback will not put the organisation off its strategy of improving local broadband infrastructure, reports the Rutland & Stamford Mercury.
"We remain 100 per cent committed to delivering the Digital Rutland project as we recognise the huge positive impact it will have on homes and businesses throughout the county," the Conservative councillor insisted.
Under the Digital Rutland initiative, the council is looking to bring faster internet speeds to the area, with a particular focus on remote or rural communities.
RCC is aiming to finish the upgrade work by 2013.
Although it missed out in last week's round of funding, Rutland is still in line to receive government support for its broadband plans.
The DCMS revealed at the time that all 18 bidders are expected to receive public money during the current parliament as their applications for the cash develop.
A further announcement is due to be made later in the year in which the government will outline the amount of cash available to every county, the department added.
Speaking at the time, culture secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "Broadband is becoming just as essential to homes and businesses as electricity and telephone lines."