Londonderry’s economy to get superfast broadband boost

The investment, announced today by the Chancellor in his Autumn Statement, will help transform Londonderry into a ‘super-connected city’. By offering high-tech and digital companies the infrastructure they need, the city will be able to compete for business, investment and jobs with the world’s top digital cities.

Londonderry is one of twelve cities across the UK to be awarded a share of £50 million from the second wave of the Super-Connected Cities Programme fund. This will help provide homes and businesses with ultrafast broadband (at least 80-100Mbps) and high speed wireless Internet access.

Culture Secretary Maria Miller said: “Fast broadband is essential for growth and the creation of jobs. We have made significant progress with our broadband programme over the last few months, cutting through EU red tape and that continues. Derry/Londonderry has produced ambitious and comprehensive plans, which will turn the city into a digital leader, and give the local economy a real boost. The new investment will help put the city at the centre of the digital stage, competing for jobs and investment and supporting Britain in the global race.”

The Government is transforming the UK’s digital infrastructure as a key driver of jobs and economic growth. It is investing £680m over the lifetime of this Parliament to deliver the best broadband in Europe.

Government funding for this phase of the Super-Connected City Programme was open to cities with a Royal Charter and more than 45,000 homes and businesses, or more than 35,000 homes and businesses in Northern Ireland. Local authorities were invited to apply for funding, make a commitment to provide funding of their own for the project and to seek investment from the Private Sector.