Northumberland County plans for super fast broadband

The UK government introduced Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) in 2011 with the intention of providing at least 2 Mbps broadband throughout the country. In addition, 90% of the UK should be able to avail next generation broadband by 2015.

The ultimate aim is the growth of the British economy and higher standard of living for the subjects.

All the local county councils which want to get a part of the GBP 530 million fund from BDUK have to submit their proposals and requirements by February 2012.

The Northumberland County Council has asked for GBP 7 million. It also has a local funding plan of equivalent amount, apart from private sector funding.

The objective of the Northumberland Local Broadband Plan is:

1. To develop a fiber and wireless broadband infrastructure in the county
2. To enable more people to use both broadband as well as super-fast broadband
3. To provide the subjects the access to the internet.

It is reported that ‘The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (DEFRA) has set aside a GBP 20 million for making available super fast broadband to the households and business communities in the rural areas. The interested parties can bid for the funds. The Expression of Interest (EoI) has to be submitted by the end of January.

The private sector also must contribute an equal amount to facilitate the achievement of the broadband initiative of the county.