South Derbyshire broadband investment welcomed

The £7.3 million Derbyshire County Council is to receive to upgrade broadband services is a positive step, it has been claimed.

Kevin Parkinson, member for regeneration at the local authority, told the Burton Mail that broadband is essential if businesses are to be successful.

Domestic users will also benefit from the investment, which was announced as part of the government's strategy to deliver super-fast broadband to 90 per cent of homes and commercial organisations by 2015.

"Bringing fast and reliable broadband to Derbyshire is one of our top priorities and we welcome yesterday's announcement that funding is available … we recognise the important role broadband plays in people's everyday lives," Mr Parkinson told the news provider.

The Hunts Post recently reported that Cambridgeshire County Council is to invest more than £20 million on improving the county's broadband infrastructure to attract and retain businesses.

Councillor Steve Count said such an investment is vital if commercial organisations are to thrive in the area.