Leicestershire promised £4m business broadband upgrade

Plans for £4 million to be spent on improving business broadband links in the rural parts of Leicestershire have been unveiled by the local council.

It is believed that approximately 190,000 residents – including some commercial users – will benefit from the intended upgrades.

Leicestershire County Council is putting money towards the scheme and has been backed financially by the government and some of its district councils too.

To date, major providers such as BT and Virgin Media have made great progress in the East Midlands county, but there is still a "final third" waiting to be connected to superfast internet.

The council's job is made slightly trickier by the fact the affected villages and towns are spread across the region, but its cabinet has nonetheless agreed to come up with £4 million to solve the problem.

"It is vital that we work together to boost rural broadband speeds, to boost our economy. Rural communities and businesses can play a major role in the county's future, if they have the high-speed connections they need," explained council leader David Parsons.

A further £300,000 will also be invested in the most remote communities of all. Such spots are unlikely to be in a position to enjoy superfast links, but the cash will greatly improve their service.

Byron Rhodes, leader of Melton Borough Council, said: "The Vale of Belvoir is a classic example of an area that could benefit from superfast broadband links, giving its communities and businesses a real boost."

District and borough authorities are also being persuaded to spend their funds on improving business broadband for the good of the local economy.

The Haverhill Echo recently told how South Cambridgeshire District Council has agreed to back a county-wide project to improve broadband infrastructure in the area, with councillor Nick Wright noting this will show Cambridgeshire is "open for business".