Laura Sharman 12 August 2015

Councils prepare to extend superfast broadband scheme

The government’s rollout of superfast broadband is on track to reach 95% of the UK by 2017, with new figures showing more than three million homes and businesses now have access to internet speeds greater than 24 Mbps.

The figures have been published following news that BT is returning £129m to local authorities to extend superfast broadband coverage, after take-up was better than originally forecast.

Culture secretary John Whittingdale said: ‘Reaching three million properties is a huge achievement. Our rollout of superfast broadband is transforming lives up and down the country as every day thousands more homes and businesses are gaining access to superfast speeds.’

Councils across the country are now preparing plans to rollout superfast broadband across their local areas. The Northern Lincs Broadband (NLBB) has confirmed it will extend coverage to a further 4,000 households and businesses, using savings made from the first phase of the project and funding from BT and Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK).

Cllr Liz Redfern, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: ‘The first phase of the project was a huge success. It was in the top six nationally for completing the rollout the quickest. I’m positive we will add to this success with the second phase.

‘It is fantastic news that BT is providing additional funding due to the take up of broadband being higher than expected. This shows how successful the first phase was.’

Making payment processes smarter  image

Making payment processes smarter

It can be challenging to find the right software to streamline payment processes. Lewis McKenna-Crisp argues SmarterPay has the ideal solution for councils.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Technical Support Officer

Wyre Borough Council
Grade 5 £25,992 – £27,711
This is a really exciting time to join Wyre Council, with a new Leader and Chief Executive leading our next chapter. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Residential Worker

Essex County Council
£27934.00 - £35344.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Residential WorkerPermanent, Full Time£27,934 up to £35,344 Per Annum (includes allowance) equal to £14.48 to £18.32 Per HourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Early Years Keyworker

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£37,068 - £38,058
Want to make a difference for children with special educational needs in Greenwich? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Early Years Area SENCo

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£39,855 - £42,324
Have you got extensive experience in working within Early Years, with a clear understanding of child development Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Young Persons Substance Misuse Service Pathfinder

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£31,524 - £32,931
Are you looking to change the lives of young people? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner