EU money still available for superfast broadband connections

Local councils are still able to access European Union (EU) money to help businesses access superfast broadband networks, despite the UK's Brexit vote.

For example, Telford and Wrekin Council in Shropshire is set to use the Matches Broadband scheme to help local businesses fund fibre optic broadband connections. It is applying to the project for £237,818 from the European Regional Development Fund, which requires match funding of £158,545 in order to help around 124 businesses obtain the higher speed connections.

The companies, which have already been identified by the council, will be eligible for grants of between £7,000 and £25,000 each in order to connect them to the fibre optic broadband. Businesses must not have superfast broadband via previous commercial investment in the technology or have been reached by the Superfast Telford scheme if they wish to apply for the EU help to get connected.

The Telford and Wrekin area is targeting 98 per cent access to superfast broadband by the close of next year. The fibre optic grant scheme is part of efforts to ensure businesses do not miss out and the service can be extended to 100 per cent coverage within the council’s administrative area. Parts of the borough are rural and have been harder to reach with the superfast broadband infrastructure.

Councillor Angela McClements told The Shropshire Star: “The Marches Broadband Grant scheme opens up the availability of fibre broadband to businesses that might not be covered by Superfast Telford, although some eligible businesses may receive superfast connectivity via the main programme.

“This demonstrates our commitment to ensure that as close to 100 per cent of the borough as possible has access to superfast connectivity and all the benefits it brings.”

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(Image: Kings Sutton)