1 March 2012

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WEST Sussex County Council is looking at ways to fund faster, Next Generation, broadband across the county.

The provision of a fast service is key to local communities, and to businesses which want to compete with other companies within the UK and abroad.

Recent upgrades have been made by Mid Sussex District Council in East Grinstead, Copthorne and Haywards Heath, and faster speeds should be available to Lindfield, Burgess Hill and Hassocks by early summer.

However many rural areas will not be commercially viable for upgrade in this way.

Last August WSCC announced funding of £6.2 million from Broadband UK, a sum which it has agreed to match. The private sector is expected to match the combined sum, making a total investment of around £25 million, which will enable all but the most rural areas of West Sussex to be brought up to Next Generation speeds by 2015.

As a result, WSCC is now looking at ways to prioritise this funding.

More information about the work is on www.westsussex-betterconnected.org.uk where it is possible for communities to register for improved broadband provision.

“I am am hoping we will get a high response rate from Mid Sussex residents and businesses, which will support our case to improve broadband within our District,” said John De Mierre, Cabinet Member for Economic Development.