Devon and Somerset broadband project extended

A scheme hoping to bring fibre broadband to rural areas in Devon and Somerset has been extended through the decision of Bath and North East Somerset Council to invest £700,000 in the project, which is being headed up by Somerset County Council.

The £100 million undertaking will encourage the provision of super-fast broadband in isolated parts of the counties by 2020, but requires further signatures expressing interest in the scheme before it will be considered viable for private investment.

Cabinet member David Hall said: "It's great to welcome Bath and North East Somerset to the partnership. It gives us more reach and an even stronger voice with broadband suppliers."

Roughly £10 million has already been invested by the Devon and Somerset authorities, bringing public sector investment in the project to around £53 million overall.

The project will also be boosted by a successful bid for £31.3 million of funding from the government's Broadband Delivery UK body, which is helping to implement schemes like this across the country.