Broadband roll-out extended

It is looking as if virtually all parts of Cheshire East will have high-speed broadband by 2017 with the latest Cheshire East cabinet minutes, just released, showing that the target for homes and businesses reached will now be 99%.

The minutes say: "The Connecting Cheshire Project, led by Cheshire East Council, was the fastest deployment of high-speed broadband in the world, delivering at twice the pace of similar contracts across the country.

"Building on the success of the project, it was proposed that the project be extended for a second tranche to reach a more ambitious target of 99% of homes and businesses by 2017, which would return approximately £84m of growth to the local economy.

"The total cost of the project extension, including partner contributions and grants, was expected to be £5.1m, with further private sector leverage to be agreed through procurement.

"The Council's contribution would be up to £1.12m over the three year period 2015-2017."

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