A MULTI-million pound investment to improve broadband infrastructure and bring Coventry up to speed has been approved by the City Council.
Superfast broadband – connections over 20mpbs – is available in just 91.7 per cent of properties in Coventry at the moment, compared to the Government target of 95 per cent by 2017.
The £2.55 million capital investment will unlock an overall package of £15 million worth of grants across Coventry and Warwickshire and will enable 8,000 locations, both business and residential, to be able to connect to superfast broadband.
Warwickshire County Council will also seek match the funds.
The investment will lever in £2.55 million European Regional Development funding, £4.3 million Growth Deal funding and £1.1 million worth of private sector funds.
Coun John Mutton, Coventry City Council’s cabinet member for strategic finance and resources, said: “Investing in our infrastructure now puts us in a better position in the future.
“Broadband is now viewed as the fourth utility, and for many people is absolutely vital for them to work and do business.
“As a Council we recognise and understand this, so we will contribute our share and ensure that Coventry remains competitive and a place that people want to live and work in.”
Birmingham, Derby and Leicester are in the top 40 for Broadband speed, whereas Coventry is currently 74th out of 185.
The project will be completed by the established Coventry, Solihull, Warwickshire Broadband Project.
