Get involved and help bring superfast broadband to Shropshire

A project to bring superfast broadband to rural parts of Shropshire is gathering speed – and needs your help.

Shropshire Council is bidding for a share of a £530 million Government fund earmarked to support the roll-out of superfast broadband to areas that the market alone will not reach.

A website has been set up at www.connectingshropshire.co.uk which explains more about Shropshire’s bid, and how the public can join in and help the county secure the funding.  The aim is to have every home and business connected to an affordable broadband service by 2016.

One of the key parts of the bid is to demonstrate there is a need for the technology in Shropshire, so a survey has been set up for residents and businesses.  The survey asks about current broadband provision and people’s aspirations for future provision.

Shropshire Council Cabinet member for IT, Councillor Martin Taylor-Smith, said it was important that as many people as possible got involved with the survey:

“It’s essential that we show the Government just how much desire there is in Shropshire for this technology.  Improving broadband speeds in rural parts of the county will be a massive benefit to both businesses and residents in those areas.  I would urge as many people as possible to get involved by filling in this survey on the website, which should be accessible with a dial-up internet connection.

“However, if you are unable to access the website because your internet connection is too slow, please get in touch and we’ll do our best to help.”

The Connecting Shropshire website is at www.connectingshropshire.co.uk – or alternatively call the council’s information and research team on 01743 252598.

Shropshire Council officers were also addressing delegates at the Business Summit on Monday 27 June to start gathering support from the business community.