High speed fibre broadband reaches 10,000 homes and businesses thanks to Northern Lincs broadband programme
Northern Lincs Broadband has today announced that around 10,000 homes and businesses are now able to access high-speed fibre broadband as a direct result of the programme.
The multi million pound roll-out is progressing at pace and is expected to reach a further 5000 North and North East Lincolnshire premises by the end of September.
In March this year Scawby Brook became the first area to benefit from the superfast technology. Now around 10,000 homes and businesses in areas such as Epworth, Barton-upon-Humber, Messingham, Winterton, Cleethorpes, Grimsby and Scunthorpe can take advantage of the benefits high-speed fibre broadband brings.
The programme will invest a total of £9.6 million to extend fibre broadband to reach 92 per cent of North and North East Lincolnshire by the end of June 2015. The investment is made up of Government funding from Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) combined with funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), BT and North Lincolnshire Council.
Local businesses are already reaping the benefits of fibre broadband with more than 150 firms taking advantage of a free business support package being offered by the programme.
So far, the Northern Lincolnshire Broadband Business support team has provided 1,750 hours of free support to help eligible small businesses save time, money and improve efficiency. The team of dedicated technology specialists and business advisors provides tailored support geared towards maximising the benefits of faster connectivity. Seventy five businesses have completed the full programme so far.
Messingham resident, Sally, is already reaping the benefits of superfast broadband. She said: “Not only has the speed of my broadband increased, but the reliability of the connection and the reach of my wifi is much improved.
”Before the upgrade, I sometimes struggled to get a good connection in my study which made working from home difficult. Now the speed is consistent in every room in the house even when more than one device is logged on.”
This announcement comes as the Government announced today that more than 1 million UK homes and businesses now have access to superfast broadband as a result of the UK wide rollout. All 44 of the areas targeted by Government are now “live” and the rate at which superfast technology is being rolled out under the programme is rapidly accelerating. An estimated 30,000 to 40,000 premises are now gaining access every week and the programme will extend superfast broadband to 95 per cent of the UK by 2017.
Local business and residents are invited to join the Northern Lincs Broadband team at the Northern Lincolnshire Broadband Business @ The Baths event at The Baths Hall, Scunthorpe on 23 October from 2pm to 5pm. As well as an opportunity to find out more about the roll-out and the business support on offer, one lucky business will also win a mobile device on the day. Places are limited and can be booked in advance by contacting the team on 01724 296926 or emailing nlbb@northlincs.gov.uk.
Cllr Neil Poole, cabinet member for policy and resources at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “It is brilliant to see the roll-out progressing well with an astounding 10,000 properties reached already. We have received some extremely positive feedback from residents and businesses that are already benefiting from high-speed broadband to say what a difference it has made.
“This truly is a leap forward for Northern Lincolnshire and is providing limitless online opportunities for both residents and businesses alike.
“If your business hasn’t already taken advantage of the invaluable business support on offer, it isn’t too late. Get in contact to find out how they can help your business grow or go to the Northern Lincolnshire Broadband and Business Event. The team will be on hand to provide an update on the project and tell you all about the support available.”
The Northern Lincs Broadband programme will build on BT’s commercial investment of £2.5 billion to roll-out fibre broadband to two-thirds of UK premises. This investment has already provided fibre broadband connectivity in Brigg, Barton on Humber, Healing, Grimsby, Messingham, Scartho and Scunthorpe.
Bill Murphy, managing director of next generation access for BT, said: “The Northern Lincs Broadband programme is making strong progress, bringing high-speed fibre broadband to some of the most challenging areas. The programme shows the power of the public and private sectors working together. BT has brought technical expertise to the table as well as millions of pounds of investment and, if we can go further, we will do so. This exciting technology is providing a major boost for local households and businesses whether they are using it to work more efficiently and find new customers or for online learning and leisure.”
The high-speed network installed by BT’s local network business, Openreach, is available on an open, wholesale basis to all companies offering broadband services so North and North East Lincolnshire households and businesses will benefit from a highly competitive market.
The investment in fibre broadband will boost the local economy and help to create or protect local jobs. It will be of particular benefit to local businesses which can use the faster speeds to improve their competitiveness both within the UK and abroad.
For up to date information on available business support and the roll-out visit
www.investinnorthlincs.co.uk or www.northlincs.gov.uk.
Notes to Editors
Superfast Britain is a Government programme of investment in broadband and communication infrastructure across the UK. Run by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, this investment helps businesses to grow, creates jobs and will make Britain more competitive in the global race. The portfolio is comprised of three elements:
• £780m to extend superfast broadband to 95% of the UK by 2017
• £150m to provide high speed broadband to businesses in 22 cities
• £150m to improve quality and coverage of mobile phone and basic data network services
Administered on behalf of Government by Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK), Superfast Britain is transforming Britain by promoting growth, enabling skills and learning, and improving quality of life.
For further information: https://www.gov.uk/broadband-delivery-uk
About Northern Lincs Broadband
The Northern Lincs Broadband Programme is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which is one of the funds established by the European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs. For more information, visit www.communities.gov.uk/erdf.
