Cambridge looks to attract businesses with broadband investment plan

Cambridgeshire County Council has pledged £20 million to improve broadband services in the region.

According to the Hunts Post, the original plan was to invest £12 million in the scheme, however, after further discussions it was agreed that this sum would be insufficient.

The local authority also plans a bid for £8 million from the government's £530 million Broadband Delivery UK broadband pot.

Councillor Steve Count said at a cabinet meeting on Monday (August 15th) that upgrading broadband infrastructure is essential if commercial organisations are to locate in the area.

"There is clear evidence that businesses consider reliable fast broadband as paramount in their decision to relocate. This is a bold step, not because we want super-fast broadband, but because we have to find the money for this," he added.

Clodagh Murphy, director of Eclipse Internet, said recently that broadband has been hugely beneficial for the design and media industries in particular.