Superfast Broadband

 

Superfast Broadband – transforming businesses and communities across Cheshire East

A billion pound boost to the economy, thousands of local jobs created and better communication for residents – just some of benefits superfast broadband can bring to Cheshire.

Members of Cheshire East Council were joined by their partners across the region at Jodrell Bank on Friday, February 3 as part of Connecting Cheshire; a project which aims to ensure everyone has access to superfast broadband by 2015.

The Connecting Cheshire partnership comprises Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Warrington Borough Council and Halton Borough Council.

The partnership has so far received more than £3 million in Government funding for the roll-out of superfast broadband but needs up to £40 million in order for the project to reach its potential.

To do this, Connecting Cheshire hopes to attract further funding from the Government and European grants to ensure full coverage of superfast broadband across the sub-region. Friday’s event was a chance to present interested parties with the reasons behind the project and the importance of superfast broadband to the local economy.

The event included the publication of a value and impact study which predicts that full superfast broadband coverage could result in gross economic and social impact of £1.3 million and create 11,000 jobs. This would include the creation of 3,000 jobs across rural and semi-rural areas across Cheshire, Warrington and Halton.

Speaking at Friday’s event, Cheshire East Council’s head of development, Caroline Simpson, said: 

“Superfast broadband will transform businesses and communities over the coming years. It is especially relevant and critical that, during times of economic downturn, we put in place this essential foundation to economic and social growth.

“Reliable, high speed broadband is vital to ensure and stimulate our future growth, innovation and productivity; supporting business growth by providing access to new markets.

As well as boosting the economy, it is hoped more people will have better access to the internet and the services available on the world wide web, especially those in rural and semi-rural areas.

Cheshire East Councillor David Brown, Cabinet member with responsibility for performance and capacity said: “This is about connecting communities; improving quality of life through health, education and access to other public services.

“Discussing a health issue with your GP over the internet – known as telecare – will soon be a reality. This will surely be a boost to those in remote, rural areas.

“The promise of being able to remain at home for longer, thanks to support from services available via superfast broadband, is a real one. It can also provide assisted living technologies for people with a disability or long- term health issue.

“I urge all interested parties, whether they want to invest in or support the project – to come forward and get involved in this exciting project.”

Commenting on superfast broadband, Macclesfield MP David Rutley said: “It’s all about creating a level playing field so that people can compete in today’s markets. At the moment not all businesses in Cheshire have that access and it’s vital we get hold of it for them.

“Not having superfast broadband holds our businesses back. It’s as if they’re trying to do business with one hand tied behind their backs.”

Anyone who wants to get involved with Connecting Cheshire, can contact the team a number of ways:

Twitter: twitter.com/SFB_Cheshire

Facebook: Connecting Cheshire

Website: www.connectingcheshire.org.uk

Email: info@connectingcheshire.org.uk