Northumberland businesses and homes get connected to superfast broadband

Over 52,500 businesses and residential homes in Northumberland have now been connected to superfast broadband, thanks to the county’s iNorthumberland scheme.

The project is now entering its second phase, which aims to roll out fibre optic broadband to a further 3,700 homes and businesses by the end of 2017 at a cost of £4.1 million. The second phase is anticipated to connect the north of Northumberland, where communities such as High Buston, High Hauxley, North Charlton and Scremerston are all set to benefit from the new investment.

This is already on top of the rural communities of Newton on the Moor, Lowick, Ancroft and Acklington, who have already benefited from the fibre optic broadband, attracting business to the rural and remote areas.

The first phase was not without its own problems, however, due in part to the rural locations. But now that this phase is complete, the second phase of iNorthumberland is set to begin, with a view to reaching the most remote and rural parts of the county.

Councillor Dave Ledger, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, said on the completion of the first phase: “The council is playing a pivotal role in bringing superfast broadband to homes and businesses across Northumberland and has been pleased to make such a significant investment in this important service.”

Berwick MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan agreed, stating: “Decent broadband is the fourth utility for all our homes and without decent broadband, our children cannot do their homework, small businesses cannot grow and farmers cannot submit their online Defra forms.

“It’s excellent news that fibre broadband is reaching some of our most remote and rural communities, and I look forward to seeing even more progress during the second phase of the programme."

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