Broadband boost for homes and business
HOMES and businesses in Halton could benefit from better broadband thanks to new laws introduced by the Government.
The Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill is paving the way full-fibre broadband and future 5G communications.
A Department For Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) spokesman said 100% business rates relief has been enabled for operators who install new fibre on their networks.
The spokesman said the bill will ‘incentivise’ operators to invest in the broadband network.
By seeking to improve the speed, service quality, security and reliability of broadband services, the spokesman said it has the potential to transform the way in which modern businesses work together, reach their consumers and target their export markets.
The spokesman said the measures will provide important support for a more productive economy and boost the prospects for economic growth.
Local government minister Marcus Jones said: “Regardless of where you live or work, we want everyone to benefit from access to the fast, affordable and reliable broadband they need to thrive.
“From making it easier to work from home to allowing digital businesses to flourish, our measures are creating the right conditions for more highskilled, high-paid jobs of the future. “We’ve already committed £400 million for new digital infrastructure fund and this Government’s Digital Strategy is helping bring together business organisations, local authorities and communications providers.
“Now the Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill is going one step further to kick start the installation of new fibre, paving the way for better connectivity across the country.”
It will also increase internet speeds for households and enable those with multiple devices and users to download and upload huge amounts of data. ●
The spokesman said it could include simultaneously streaming high definition TV and films, playing online games, and working from home quicker and more reliably than ever before.
Digital minster Matt Hancock said: “We want Britain to remain the digital world leader that it is, and that means having the right infrastructure in place that will allow us keep up with the rapid advances in technology now and in the future.
“We want to see more commercial investment in the gold standard connectivity that fullfibre provides, and the 100% business rate relief and the Digital Infrastructure Investment Fund will provide a strong incentive for this.”