Superfast broadband to boost North Yorkshire economy by £220 million

The introduction of superfast broadband to wider parts of North Yorkshire will benefit the county's economy by as much as £220 million over the next two years.

According to analysis by Regeneris Consulting, the Superfast North Yorkshire project has already contributed £36 million to the local economy. Across 2016 and 2017, greater broadband connectivity and speeds will provide a boost of £220 million.

A report by the consultancy states that SMEs benefit greatly from having faster and more reliable broadband at their premises. Not only does it boost their day-to-day productivity but also opens up options for them to use new internet-based tools to help grow their business and improve services to customers.

The analysis also found that one new job has been created for every 10 firms connected to the superfast broadband network, illustrating that broadband helps the UK economy by creating jobs.

Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, said: "This is fantastic news for North Yorkshire, it is great to see North Yorkshire businesses taking advantage of public investment in superfast broadband to spearhead the growth of our economy."

The first phase of the Superfast North Yorkshire project was completed earlier this year - along with commercial rollouts, this has seen 90 per cent of the county gain access to fibre broadband, with 86 per cent able to access superfast broadband (24 Mbps or higher).

Ed Vaizey, Digital Economy Minister, added: "From Ainderby Steeple to Masham, and from Hardraw to Leyburn, the Superfast North Yorkshire project has done a remarkable job in transforming the digital landscape of the region. Superfast broadband is a catalyst for economic growth, which is why Government, together with local authorities around the UK, is investing more than £1 billion to take superfast coverage to 95 per cent of the UK by 2017."

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