Broadband connection grants available

Derbyshire County Council has worked in partnership with Derby City Council to agree an extension of its connection voucher scheme into the county

This means that eligible organisations can bid for a grant to help install Superfast Broadband no matter wherever they’re based in Derbyshire.

Councillor Paul Dunn, the county council’s Cabinet Support Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, said: “We’re committed to supporting local businesses to help create a thriving local economy. Our Digital Derbyshire programme is bringing better, faster broadband to 88,000 homes and businesses across the county.

“We know the benefits Superfast Broadband can bring for local firms. A fast and reliable broadband service is as important as good road and rail links for businesses today.

“We’re bringing the technology through Digital Derbyshire and it’s great that we’ve now managed to make sure there’s cash available to help give local businesses access.

“It means Derbyshire businesses can compete both nationally and globally and bring jobs and prosperity to the county.”

Firms can apply individually or as a group to connect bigger or more complicated premises such as an office block. If their application is successful, businesses would need to pay for the line rental and VAT.

Connection Vouchers are available until March 2016 for those who meet these criteria:

l SME (Small or Medium Enterprise), Charity or Social Enterprise;

l The connection cost will be over £200;

l The request is for a connection for business premises. If your main place of work is at home you are entitled to have a connection there;

l You are willing to sign up for a minimum six-month contract with your supplier;

l You select a service that is capable of delivering 30Mbps or higher;

l You have not received more than £120k in grants in the last three years.

For more information visit www.derby.gov.uk/business/superconnected, call 01332 742 540 or email [email protected]