Derry is one of 22 cities across the UK to benefit from a £100m pot of money to connect it to better quality, high speed broadband from next month.
Last December, it was confirmed Derry was one of 12 cities to be included in the second tranche of funding to have enhanced “ultrafast’” broadband services Culture Secretary Maria Miller has announced the broadband connection voucher scheme to is to be extended to 12 new cities.
As a result of the Connection Voucher Scheme going live next month it will allow businesses in Derry to apply for grants of up to £3,000 each to cover the costs of installing faster and better broadband, permitting them to take advantage of doing business online.
Derry Mayor Cllr Martin Reilly Mayor Reilly said it was “fantastic news” for the city.
He added: “It will allow Derry to stay competitive with enhanced digital connectivity, improving access to market opportunities worldwide.
“Through the Super Connected City Programme, not only will the Voucher Scheme be rolled out in the New Year to provide businesses with grants towards the initial expenditure of upgrading to a superfast or above broadband connection, in addition the city will benefit from a new and extended wi-fi infrastructure and the provision of wireless hotspots in public buildings.”
Linda Williams, Head of Economic Development, said the voucher scheme when it goes live would allow SME’s the opportunity to explore new ways of doing business which would create and attract new jobs and encourage investment to the city.
She added: “Derry City Council will be actively encouraging and assisting businesses across the city and region to avail of this funding.
“Reliable connectivity not only gives customers confidence but provides businesses with increases productivity and competitiveness, the ability to increase flexible working, reduce business travel and commuting as well as improved access to educational and training resources.”
She added: “This significant investment will greatly assist us fulfil our commitment to transform Derry into a vibrant, high quality destination for business, tourism, education and culture and help us to create an environment that will not only continue to attract industry leading enterprise but also encourage the development of small and medium enterprises that will complement and support the city’s growth during and post 2013.”
Communications Minister Ed Vaizey said: “The broadband market is moving at an incredible pace. Today, businesses expect and demand faster and faster broadband to compete in the global race.”
Mr Varney said connection vouchers would be an important tool for cities in helping to address that demand, and Government had now allocated up to £100 million to provide a digital boost to super-connected cities like Derry”
