Rural areas could be set for superfast broadband boost

Councillors were told at Tuesday’s cabinet meeting that the council was among the leading lights as around 90 per cent of homes and businesses in the area now had access to superfast broadband.

And, after councillors approved to release the final part of a total sum of £606,910 as South Holland’s contribution to the project after an initial underspend, they hoped the percentage would become greater, especially in the rural and more remote areas.

Deputy council leader Nick Worth said: “We have over-achieved and done better than nearly everywhere else. The improvement has been phenomenal which is really good news.

“We could be increasing the premises with superfast broadband to around 95 per cent, although that’s probably a conservative figure.”

However, councillors were eager to ensure that rural homes and businesses also benefitted from the plan.

Coun Malcolm Chandler commented: “I am very concerned that the business communities in rural areas are falling short.

“It is vital we expand it to the remote locations.

“We don’t want the rural areas left in a swamp so it’s important we develop it as quickly as possible.”

Coun Roger Gambba-Jones said that he felt it was important to stress that, although the roll-out had been the council’s responsibility, the overall speed was still down to the internet providers.

He added: “We are giving people access to a potential better connection, but it is up to the public to find the right broadband provider.

“There needs to be some clarity in the message we send out.”

The report presented to the meeting stated that 90.03 per cent of the total premises in South Holland had been completed.

Delivery in South Holland had so far equalled or exceeded that in other districts with the exception of East Lindsey.

No further contributions from the council will be required after this next phase of the project which is being run by Lincolnshire County Council.