Rural broadband fund launched

Businesses in England’s remotest spots could benefit from superfast internet as the third round of the £20 million Rural Community Broadband Fund opens today.

The fund aims to help rural communities with limited or no internet to access superfast broadband, giving rural businesses a greater opportunity to profit and grow.

Environment Minister, Richard Benyon, comments: “By getting people better connected, the Government’s £20 million broadband fund will give businesses and a boost and benefit the local economy.”

The fund is targeted at the 10% of hard to reach areas which would not otherwise receive superfast broadband under the Government’s main broadband rollout programme.

Communities can now apply for a grant of more than 50% of  project costs where a need and value for money can be demonstrated.