Bedford on the fast track to better broadband
Faster Broadband is heading for Bedford Borough after a joint
local broadband plan won Government support and funding.
Bedford Borough Council has campaigned for faster broadband
speeds and gathered support for the Local Broadband Plan. A joint
bid was submitted with Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes
Council’s and Government funding of £440,000 for Bedford will now
join match funding provided locally to help boost broadband speeds
across the borough.
The Borough Council will now be working closely with Central
Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes Councils to get a provider on board
to deliver the plan. This will mean delivering superfast broadband
to at least 90% of households and businesses by 2015 along with a
minimum of standard broadband for the remaining 10%, some of which
are currently without access at all.
Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson who is leading on the
project for the Council said: “I’m delighted that the Government
has recognised the local backing we have for faster broadband in
the borough.
“This funding will help to make a positive difference to local
communities who currently suffer from poor or non-existent
broadband access, including in rural areas.
“The campaign is continuing and I urge local residents and
businesses that haven’t done so already to sign up to show their
support and send a clear message to providers about the local
demand for better broadband.”
To sign the petition supporting faster broadband for
Bedford Borough go to www.bedford.gov.uk/broadband