Warwickshire to get even faster broadband

A PLAN to speed up broadband in rural Warwickshire has been given the green light by the Government.

The Warwickshire County Council prepared regional Local Broadband Plan - which outlines the current broadband provision and how broadband speeds could be improved - has been approved by Government delivery body Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK).

The council has already earmarked £3 million towards match funding £4 million being made available to the region by BDUK, which is overseeing the roll-out of superfast broadband across the country. The remainder of the match funding is being met by Coventry City Council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and the five districts and boroughs within Warwickshire.

Coun Alan Cockburn, county Sustainable Communities spokesman, said: “The approval of our plan is a key milestone for delivering superfast broadband in our rural communities.

“It is vital for businesses and residents that we have the infrastructure that provides a service that is fit for the future. We now move onto the next stage of making this happen and the aim is to start installing the technology to reach people’s homes and businesses from next year.”

Upgrading work is expected to start next year.

The county council is currently recruiting local champions to promote the project within their own villages and to encourage others to sign up. Anyone interested in becoming a champion or wanting further information about the project, should email broadband@warwickshire.gov.uk or call 01926 412984.