Sluggish broadband speeds and excruciating download times could be a thing of the past for internet users in Attleborough after backing was given to a £950,000 improvement plan.
Businesses and homeowners are optimistic after Breckland Council's cabinet last week gave its backing to invest nearly £1m to ensure 94pc of the district is covered by superfast broadband services - a 6pc increase on the present coverage.
Members heard a report from officers and Karen O'Kane, Norfolk County Council's programme manager for the Better Broadband for Norfolk (BBfN) project, that also included plans for a satellite voucher scheme which will be available to the remaining premises not able to get speeds of 2Mbps.
The plans were roundly supported by the cabinet, with Breckland set to be the first district authority in Norfolk to commit funds to the scheme, should the proposal be approved by full council later this month.
Speaking at the meeting, Bill Borrett, cabinet member, said: 'I'm very proud that Breckland has come up with this extra funding as it is vital for the community. This is exactly what our residents would want us to be spending money on and it shows we are at the cutting edge.'
Valerie Watson-Brown, from the Attleborough and Snetterton Business Forum, welcomed the news and said rural areas in particular needed the boost.
'With the A11 dualling now up and running and Breckland companies beginning to see the benefits of faster connections by road to the rest of the UK, broadband needs to get up to speed quickly to help attract commercial investment into the county,' she said.
'This in turn will create employment opportunities and help to grow the economy - let's hope the proposed investment does the job.'
George Freeman, MP for Mid-Norfolk, said: 'I welcome this investment from Breckland, it's terrific news for households and businesses in our area which has for too long lagged behind the rest of the UK in the digital connectivity stakes.'
How are you affected by broadband speeds in Attleborough? Email lauren.cope@archant.co.uk
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