Northumbrian businesses to get faster business broadband
Northumbrian businesses to get faster business broadband
Thanks to European investment, Northumbrian businesses are set to benefit from superfast broadband.
The ERDF has invested £2.74 million in the iNorthumberland Digital Economy Programme – this should mean faster business broadband for over 2,600 businesses in Northumberland.
Northumberland City Council’s Deputy Chief Executive Kate Roe welcomed the investment and acknowledged that accessible and fast business broadband is widely known to be an essential component for economic growth. She said the investment will help local firms capitalise on digital opportunities.
The money from ERDF will be used to pay for last mile connectivity - essential infrastructure required to connect eligible SMEs to a core Point of Presence (PoP).
A Digital Economy Centre for Excellence will also be developed – it will be a specialist online tool which should help over 2,000 SMEs over the next two years. The resources, specifically aimed at businesses, will be available to download, stream and use interactively.
The initiative will generate over 200 jobs. It is aimed to offer businesses the digital support that they need as well as boost the adoption of business broadband to 95 per cent by 2015. The business broadband adoption rate is currently 79.8 per cent.
Communities Minister Baroness Hanham CBE said, “It is essential all businesses can develop and be part of the digital economy allowing them to reap the associated rewards and their growth potential, so I am delighted the European Regional Development Fund is helping businesses in Northumberland.”
She added, “This project will provide the correct infrastructure where it is most needed and ensure businesses receive the necessary support to maximise the benefits, cultivating innovation to strengthen businesses and contribute to the growth of the local and national economy.”
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