South Kesteven to spend £500k on faster broadband

South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) has signalled its support for the rollout of fibre optic broadband to more homes and businesses in the area.

The local authority revealed it will invest more than £500,000 in an initiative that aims to improve broadband connectivity across Lincolnshire, reports the Grantham Journal.

Ofcom figures show the county currently has some of the worst broadband services in the UK, with an average sync speed of 6.5Mbps - significantly lower than the national average of 7.5Mbps.

Some 17.2 per cent of residents are stuck with download capabilities of less than 2Mbps, which is the government's minimum requirement for broadband speeds.

Frances Cartwright of SKDC explained the local authority is eager to increase the number of rural communities that are able to access a reliable connection and eradicate current broadband whitespots across the district.

"Without improved internet access, the prospect of supporting entrepreneurs and attracting new business is challenging," she added.