Superfast broadband to Lincolnshire by 2015

Lincolnshire County Council has pledged to bring super fast broadband to the area. It is expected that 90% of businesses and homes in Lincolnshire would be covered by 2015. It is said that to upgrade UK’s broadband network with fibre optic cables, the authority has agreed to add 10 million Pounds over and above the Government grant of 14.3 million Pounds. The project’s main aim is to extend the broadband facilities to the rural areas where the private operators are unwilling to step in.

Mr Kelly Smith of Lincolnshire County Council said that the decision of the Government to rollout super fast broadband in the Lincolnshire area was really great news. He added that it is the first time the county is getting such an extensive project and along with the installation of fibre optics, the work of upgrading equipment and exchanges would also be carried out. Many a time, the Council heard stories about businesses lying close to Lincoln, suffering due to lack of access to broadband facilities and with the installation of super fast broadband they expect to solve these problems.

Mr. Smith said that the Council will try its best to persuade the local authorities and commercial sector to invest in the project. The Council’s aim is to raise 50 million Pounds which would cover the cost of the project. By the end of 2012, the Council would employ a contractor for the project.

BT, the communications giant announced that it has plans to rollout the super fast broadband to exchanges in Bourne, Gainsborough, Grantham and Spalding. Mr. Smith said that to cover the last 10% areas in the Lincolnshire, which would not be benefited by this project, another technique of providing the high speeds would be resorted to.