The government approves broadband plan for Shropshire

Approval of rural broadband plan of Shropshire was in doubt after ‘Telford and Wrekin Council’ left the joint council which included Shropshire.

The Telford and Wrekin Council has to save GBP 40 million budget savings by 2014 and so it cannot afford to spend its share of GBP 0.7 million for the scheme.

Shropshire has set aside GBP 8.2 million for the broadband scheme. The government will also provide equal amount of finance.

Shropshire Council members had a meeting with the Culture Minister Ed Vaizey early this week in this connection.

Once the ‘Broadband Delivery UK’ (BDUK) gives the green signal, the Shropshire Council can engage a private contractor to take up the installation of broadband in rural areas.

BDUK, which is a part of the ‘Department of Culture Media and Sport’ (DCMS), was constituted by the government to take care of the broadband plans and distribute the government fund amicably.

Martin Taylor Smith of the Shropshire Council remarked that availability of fast broadband will create job opportunities, especially in the rural areas. It will play a key role in improving the economy of the county.

Shaun Davies of the Telford and Wrekin Council informed that there is no doubt that GBP 700,000 is indeed a sound investment in an ideal world. Unfortunately they are not living in the ideal world.