Rural community benefits from £460k government broadband cash

10 January 2013

Children in one of Britain's rural communities will find it easier to do their homework online after the area became one of the first places to get superfast broadband as part of the government's Rural Community Broadband Fund.

The development in the community of Rothbury in Northumberland, which was marked by a visit from Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander, is expected to deliver much wider benefits as well.

At least 1,500 homes and businesses are to benefit from the £460,000 broadband fund approved by Defra and Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Firms in the area are expected to grow. And social isolation is expected to be overcome.

Speeds of 30Mpbs will be achievable according to the government. Online bookings will now become feasible for local bed and breakfasts. And doctors, along with other NHS bodies, will be able to enhance their services.

"It's vital that we boost growth in rural areas such as Rothbury and support communities across the UK to get the infrastructure they need to compete on a global scale," said Danny Alexander.

"Our £460,000 investment will play a major part in bringing superfast broadband to 1,500 homes and businesses, creating jobs and sustainable growth for the region."

Rural affairs minister Richard Benyon added: "This is great news for the people and businesses of Rothbury, helping them to overcome the social isolation caused by the current lack of superfast broadband as well as benefitting the local economy."

And communications minister Ed Vaizey said the project would contribute to the government's aim of achieving the best superfast broadband network in Europe by 2015.