Superfast broadband bid by Devon and Somerset

Pioneering joint bid by five local authorities, including Devon and Somerset County Councils, submitted to BDUK

A pioneering joint bid by five local authorities, including Devon and Somerset County Councils, has been submitted to BDUK, the government’s agency for rolling out superfast broadband across the country.

Costing around �100million, the project will enable 100 percent of broadband coverage by 2015, with superfast service being available in at least 85 percent of cases. This will aid economic growth and enable people to access a wider range of services.

Without BDUK funding, less than 40 percent of businesses and homes in Devon and Somerset could access superfast broadband, leaving the counties at a severe economic and commercial disadvantage.

Councillor Will Mumford, DCC cabinet member for Economic Regeneration and Strategic Planning said, “Superfast broadband is vital for our counties. With so many of our businesses located in rural areas, it is essential that they are not disadvantaged and can create opportunities for growth and employment throughout our communities.

“By working with Somerset, we can benefit from economies of scale as well as shared knowledge and together we are aiming to deliver one of the most crucial missing pieces of the broadband network.”

More than 5,000 businesses and individuals have responded to a survey by the councils on the importance of improved broadband and more comments are being sought. More information at: www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk.