The Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) broadband programme has announced that it is now offering vouchers through the national BDUK Better Broadband Scheme.
All homes and businesses in the region with broadband speeds of less than two Megabits per second (Mbps), without a published delivery date for superfast broadband within the next 12 months, are now eligible to apply for an interim solution under the voucher scheme.
The Better Broadband Voucher Scheme, administered by BDUK, helps provide access to a broadband service offering download speeds of at least 10 Mbps.
Vouchers worth up to £350 would contribute towards the cost of equipment and installation of a 4G, Fixed Wireless or Satellite solution.
Applications need to be made through registered suppliers on the approved supplier list using the basic broadband checker.
Any premises benefiting from a voucher will not be removed from future superfast delivery plans. This includes premises within current planned superfast delivery through our Airband and Gigaclear contracts.
Councillor David Hall, CDS Board member and Somerset County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Community Infrastructure, said: “We are delighted to be part of the national Better Broadband Scheme which can provide some interim and quick solutions for some of our residents and businesses.
“We know from running our local voucher scheme that this type of support is needed and while we remain committed to delivering superfast connections across Devon and Somerset, we recognise that not all parts of the area are currently being served, and this scheme can help fill the gap.”
The Better Broadband Scheme runs until the end of 2019 and is open to residential and business premises.
Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) connects some of the hardest to reach communities in England, where the commercial market will not provide the infrastructure. CDS does this by awarding public subsidised contracts to companies through competitive tender to build the infrastructure needed, such as fibre cables or wireless masts.
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