The reach widens for superfast broadband

A new campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the increased coverage of superfast broadband across Cheshire, Halton and Warrington.

The drive is being delivered by the Connecting Cheshire Partnership, made up of four Cheshire councils, infrastructure provider Openreach and the UK government, with funding provided by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Across the region, more than 90,000 additional premises can now access superfast broadband, with download speeds of over 24Mbps, as a result of the Connecting Cheshire roll-out, which began in 2013.

Research carried out by independent analysts ThinkBroadband states that superfast broadband is now available to around 97 per cent of homes and businesses across the Cheshire and Warrington area.

Connection to fibre broadband does not happen automatically and customers are advised to check with their current broadband provider if they can access a faster speed. See more at: www.connectingcheshire.org.uk

Councillor Paul Bates, Cheshire East Council cabinet member with responsibility for ICT, said: “Since the Connecting Cheshire project began, the growth in online entertainment and business tools has been huge, from smart speakers to social media, all requiring a fast and reliable broadband service.

“I would recommend everyone to check their availability and, where possible, connect to a faster service and package to suit their needs – and subject to securing further funding, we hope to reach those not yet able to benefit, particularly in our more rural areas.”

Digital minister Margot James said: “Our rollout of superfast broadband across the UK is reaching thousands more homes and businesses every week. Cheshire residents and businesses can now reap the clear benefits that superfast broadband provides and I would urge people to check if they can get connected.

“As more people take up a superfast connection, funding is returned to the programme, which can potentially be reinvested further to help break down the digital divide.”

Robert Thorburn, Openreach partnership director, said: “From children doing their homework to caring for our elderly population and from social media to e-commerce and home entertainment – fast broadband is the critical enabler. Faster broadband also breaks down the barriers to doing business in the digital world, empowering local businesses and supporting them to trade and compete on a global scale.”

The campaign to raise awareness of superfast broadband coverage in Cheshire, Halton and Warrington is managed by the Skills and Growth Company – an arms-length company wholly-owned by Cheshire East Council.