14 July 2010 - European Funding To Enhance Rural Broadband

Financed through the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), their Rural Broadband Fund will aim to enhance ICT infrastructure and support the uptake of superfast next generation technologies.

Grants ranging from £30,000 up to £250,000 are up for grabs to develop “innovative approaches that address existing gaps in rural broadband coverage”.

EMDA is particularly interested in supporting community broadband projects, upgrading infrastructure to exceed the Coalition Government’s proposed Universal Service Commitment speed of 2 Megabits per second, or piloting “next generation” broadband technologies.

Expressions of interest are invited from businesses, community groups, social enterprises and charities. Collaborative bids are also acceptable.

Andrew Morgan, EMDA’s skills and communities director, said:

“The quality of broadband in many rural parts of the East Midlands is threatening competitiveness and could inhibit future sustainable economic development.

“This funding will help to address the problem, and we are keen to support projects that address market failure, improve local services and stimulate economic development and social inclusion.”

It is thought that EMDA will support up to six projects through the programme – due to the limited amount funding available, applications cannot be made from rural areas where broadband speeds already meet the 2 Megabits per second criteria.

For further information about the Rural Broadband Fund, visit the EMDA website (opens a new window)

Source: East Midlands Development Agency, 08/07/2010