Campaign launched to bring better broadband to Shropshire

A campaign is being launched to encourage residents and businesses to pledge their support for bringing better broadband to Shropshire.

The aim is that every household and business will have access to the industry-standard level of broadband, with as many properties as possible having access to a superfast broadband service, by the end of 2015.

The Government has ploughed £8.2 million into the Connecting Shropshire project, with the same being invested by Shropshire Council, and the campaign has now reached a crucial stage.

The private sector will be expected to invest in the project, and it is really important to demonstrate a high demand from residents and businesses – hopefully leading to a greater investment and faster speeds for more people.

People can show their support by registering their details by clicking this link – you are not signing up to anything, just showing you would consider having superfast broadband if it became available.

Councillor Martin Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for IT, said:

“It is absolutely crucial that as many people as possible register their interest, because we need to show any potential investors that we want superfast broadband in Shropshire.  As a council, we think improving broadband provision is incredibly important as it will not only improve people’s quality of life, but it gives businesses the opportunity to thrive wherever they are based.

“We are asking the people of Shropshire to really get behind this campaign, and would urge everyone to do their bit by adding their name to the survey.  The more people that register their interest, the more chance we have of getting superfast broadband to every corner of our county.”

Anyone who does not have internet access can fill in the survey at their local library or Broadplace.  Alternatively you can call Shropshire Council’s customer service team on 0345 678 9000 and an adviser will be able to take your details.