Cambridge: £5 Million To Improve Internet

7 July 2013, 08:24

£5 million of Government funding's going towards superfast broadband for Cambridge businesses.

It's hoped the funding from the Government will help boost the local economy.

It will also improve high speed wireless services by targeting Wi-Fi 'not spots' to increase wireless coverage across Cambridge.

The Super Connected Cambridge plan has been developed by Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council, along with the greater Cambridge business and academic community to drive economic growth by boosting business connectivity.

Super Connected Cambridge is part of the Connecting Cambridgeshire programme to improve the digital infrastructure for homes and businesses across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough by the end of 2015.

Welcoming the announcement, Cambridgeshire County Councillor Ian Bates, Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning said:

"This is great news for Cambridgeshire. The Super Connected Cambridge plan will allow us to drive forward economic growth and support thriving, connected communities with local business and local authorities working together to achieve sustainable long-term benefits.

"The extra funding will allow our businesses to improve their connectivity so they can maintain their position at the forefront of global scientific and technological advances and enable the economic success enjoyed by Cambridge to permeate into the surrounding area."

Councillor Sarah Brown, Cambridge City Council, Executive Councillor for Community Wellbeing, said:

"Cambridge is a major driver of the economy in East Anglia, and is at the forefront of high tech industry. This project will help ensure that the city remains at that cutting edge. The new ways of working that next generation connectivity speeds offer will have significant effects on how people in the city live and work."

Cllr Nick Wright, South Cambridgeshire District Council?s cabinet member for planning and economic development, said:

"This funding award is very welcome news for businesses and communities on the edge of Cambridge. South Cambridgeshire and the City are thriving business locations and one of our top priorities as a council is to support companies so they can grow, create more jobs and maintain our position as one of the best locations for firms to set up and be successful."