GREG DELIGHTED WITH SUPERFAST BROADBAND CONTRACT FOR EAST SUSSEX
04.06.13 for immediate release: Greg is delighted that East Sussex County Council signed a contract with BT last Friday (Friday 31st May) to bring better broadband to East Sussex over the next 3 years. This is fantastic news and a significant milestone for the project.
East Sussex County Council originally set out to deliver superfast speeds to at least 90% of premises but has been able to work with BT on plans which will deliver far more.
The project team negotiated a very good deal for the county which has produced some of the highest coverage figures seen so far. This means that, alongside existing fibre broadband roll-out plans:
• 96% of all properties across the ‘e-Sussex’ project area[1] will have access to superfast broadband of at least 24mpbs
• 99% of all properties in the county will have access to higher-speed fibre broadband
• Every property in East Sussex will be able to access a broadband service of at least 2mbps
East Sussex County Council is investing £15m for this project, which has been matched by £10.64m from Government. BT will also be making a £8.9m contribution towards the costs of delivering the project. The improved broadband service is expected to start being available in parts of the county towards the end of the year, with more areas set to be upgraded in phases over the next three years.
Speaking in Bexhill, Greg said:
“Superfast broadband is not a luxury but a vital tool for residents and businesses in Bexhill and Battle, so I am delighted that East Sussex County Council is set to bring access to higher broadband speeds to 99% of properties in the County over the next three years.”
“The Conservatives have been campaigning for superfast broadband for some time so it is important we deliver on this pledge.”
“Businesses big and small in Bexhill but also in the rural areas will particularly welcome this news. However, it will be equally welcome for residents who increasingly use a whole range of internet services at home and are frustrated by slow speeds.”
“I want East Sussex to be at the very forefront of the broadband revolution.”