1:27PM, Thu Jul 26, 2012

Back Newcastle's Bid For Superfast Broadband

By Hugh Macknight Location: Newcastle

A campaign has been launched to win the backing of residents and businesses in the fight to bring superfast broadband to Newcastle.

Newcastle City Council has made it through the first stage of a bid for up to £6m of Government money to roll out the next generation of broadband.

But to secure the funding it needs to demonstrate that it has the backing of residents and businesses from across the city.

It has set up a website, Let’s talk Digital, where residents and businesses can pledge their support for ultrafast fixed broadband and wi-fi in public areas.

It will also demonstrate where the demand for superfast broadband and wi-fi is across the city.

Benefits to businesses include:

• Helping them develop new products and services and reach new markets

• Greater profile on the web

• Improved access to education and training for employees

Benefits to residents include:

• Faster, more reliable and stable internet connection

• Greater access to wider, cheaper services

• Improved access to employment opportunities

Cabinet member for Information, Communication, Technology, Cllr Hazel Stephenson, said: “Ultrafast broadband will be a massive boost for business and give residents many new opportunities to access cheaper services and job opportunities.

“I would urge business and residents to pledge their support for our bid on the Let’s talk digital website.”

To access the site go to: www.letstalknewcastle.co.uk/letstalkdigital