Suffolk is set to be included in its £5 billion strategy to deliver next generation, gigabit-capable broadband to the entire country.
The programme aims to connect the first one million homes and businesses with gigabit speed broadband in the hardest to reach 20% of the UK by 2025. Gigabit-capable broadband connections offer the fastest and most reliable speeds currently available. Connections will enable and create a range of social benefits alongside boosting jobs and economic growth over the coming decades, and help improve connection and opportunities, especially for rural communities. It is hoped the rollout will give people the freedom to live and work more flexibly.
The scheme will use a broad range of interventions to deliver gigabit broadband, including contracts for new publicly funded infrastructure, use of broadband vouchers and other innovative solutions to deliver the roll out.
Leader of Suffolk County Council, Cllr. Matthew Hicks said:
“I welcome the announcement from Government that Suffolk is going to be included in the first phase of the Government’s UK Gigabit Programme, with the aim of deployments starting by the end of 2022. Suffolk has always been at the forefront of implementing Better Broadband with coverage of Superfast Broadband speeds approaching 98% of premises; a new LoRaWAN Innovation Network and the recent announcement of the Port of Felixstowe as a national 5G pilot. This announcement will maintain the momentum we have established under the Better Broadband for Suffolk Programme, improving Broadband across the county, with the third phase of our programme due to complete before the end of 2022.
"We’re ready for this exciting new stage of our connectivity journey, bringing full fibre to everyone’s front door and look forward to working with Central Government on the delivery of this vital national infrastructure in Suffolk."
