Investment for Cambridge and Peterborough

Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority plans to invest £5.5 million to improve mobile, broadband and public WiFi coverage..

18:23 22 March 2018

Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority is scheduled to discuss ambitious plans aim at improving mobile, broadband and public WiFi coverage, particularly in rural villages and market towns.

 

If the funding is approved, superfast broadband, which is now available to over 96per cent of homes and businesses in the country, will be extended to cover over 99per cent of homes by 2020.

 

The four-year plan is expected to support CA’s devolution deal commitments to double the size of the economy as well as improve people’s quality of life and make public services more responsive to local need.

 

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough James Palmer said: “Digital connectivity is a vital part of our area’s infrastructure. The Combined Authority is committed to ‘outstanding’ digital connectivity that will support the growth of our local economy and improve the day to day lives of our residents. 

 

“A strong mobile and broadband network is key to enable us to remain competitive in the national and international marketplace through the use of smart technology.

 

“We also want to see greater equity of free public access to Wi-Fi, which is why we are keen to extend free public access across our market towns to follow the very successful projects that are already in place in Cambridge and Peterborough. 

 

“This scheme would allow local people and visitors to get online in public buildings and open spaces across our area, so that they can be connected wherever they are.”