Plans have been unveiled to boost access to high speed internet for people across Staffordshire.
Staffordshire County Council says it wants to work with providers, developers and the Government to ensure the “vast majority” of residents can access gigabit speeds by 2030.
It follows a previous scheme which has seen the authority aim to connect communities in rural areas to speeds of at least 24mbps where there was no commercial provision – a project which has now seen 97% of properties across the county having access.
Cllr Simon Tagg, Staffordshire’s County Council’s cabinet member for environment, infrastructure and climate change, said achieving faster speeds would boost business and residents across the region.
“Getting as many places as possible gigabit-ready means more digital capacity for everyone through greater bandwidth and lightning-fast connectivity.
“It is predicted that each home will have over 200 internet-reliant devices in just five years, from central heating to toothbrushes. For businesses, it could mean hugely improved productivity, resilience and flexible working.
“Under current conditions, only 80% of Staffordshire’s premises would be commercially-viable for the private sector to connect up. Our vision is that no-one is left out, even the hard-to-reach places, so the Gigafast Staffordshire team is about working with partners to create the right demand and market conditions so that everyone can get hooked up.
“We have a track-record of pushing the boundaries so that more people feel the benefits of digital technology. By bringing together the most innovative digital minds, we’ll maximise digital opportunities for everyone.’’
Cllr Simon Tagg, Staffordshire County Council
Staffordshire’s Digital Framework is set to be approved by cabinet at its meeting on 15th June.
