MP welcomes West Sussex broadband boost

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert has welcomed confirmation that the Government is to support West Sussex County Council's broadband plan - bringing better and faster broadband to every household in the County within three years.

The Department for Culture, Media and Support approved 'West Sussex - Better Connected' earlier this month.

The Government has pledged £6.26 million and, along with matched funding from the County Council, and money from other sources, there is nearly £15 million to make the plan a reality.

The plan aims to secure 100 per cent broadband coverage, 90 per cent which will be superfast, in the County by April 2015.

The decision follows a broadband summit organised by Mr Herbert, in conjunction with the County Council, last May.  The keynote address was given by Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt who has responsibility for delivering nationwide broadband coverage.

The County Council are now encouraging local people to express their views on an improved broadband service at the West Sussex Better Connected website (www.westsussex-betterconnected.org.uk).  This will ensure that the Council can demonstrate interest to service providers and attract more investment for the county.

Mr Herbert said: "This is good news for the County and I am delighted that last year's broadband summit continues to bear fruit.  I congratulate West Sussex County Council for providing the vital match funding and working with partners to put the plan together.

"Improving the county's broadband network is vital, not just for quality of life but for local businesses, too.  I would urge everyone to sign up on the West Sussex Better Connected website to show how important an improved network is to them."

Mr Herbert added: "It is exciting that a superfast future for West Sussex should now be only three years away."

Ends

Notes for Editors

1.    More information on  WSCC's broadband strategy can be found at www.westsussex-betterconnected.org.uk

2.    A report of the West Sussex: Better Connected summit organised by Nick Herbert can be read here: http://www.nickherbert.com/news.php/350/broadband-summit-paves-way-to-superfast-future (item 3 at the bottom of the article)