Residents can apply for £3,500 voucher to get broadband help

RESIDENTS and businesses across the Staffordshire Moorlands have been urged to apply for broadband support.

People and businesses will be able to apply for funding to access gigabit broadband.

Staffordshire is one of 17 councils across the country to top up the Government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme with an additional £22million, which will mean more local residents are eligible for a voucher of up to £3,500. Small businesses in the area can apply for up to £5,500.

The Government is making gigabit-capable broadband a reality across Britain, with a £1 billion commitment to improve connectivity for rural people. The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme supports areas where the cost of building new broadband infrastructure is too high for commercial operators alone.

Moorlands MP Karen Bradley is now urging local people to take advantage of the new funding, by applying for a voucher under the scheme. This will enable them to future proof their homes and businesses with a superfast internet connection.

In last year’s General Election, the Conservatives pledged to level up digital infrastructure across the whole country, and has since confirmed £5 billion to provide gigabit broadband over the coming years.

Mrs Bradley said: “The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of fast, reliable internet connections at home.

“I am pleased that the Government has put this money into Gigabit vouchers. I would urge people and businesses across the Moorlands to sign up now.”

Matt Warman, Minister for Digital Infrastructure, said: “This government is determined to connect every home and business to the fastest broadband speeds available from the Highlands to the Jurassic Coast.

“But we can only do this with collaboration at a local and national level so I’m delighted English councils have committed to pump more money into our voucher scheme to help rural communities get gigabit speed broadband.”