FUNDED SCHEMES AVAILABLE TO IMPROVE BROADBAND SPEEDS

Two funded schemes are available to assist businesses across Stockport town centre to improve their broadband capacity and speeds. Both programmes are integral to  Greater Manchester’s vision to become one of the world’s top 20 digital cities by 2020, enabling as many businesses and residents as possible have access to fibre broadband, stimulating growth, supporting innovation, and helping SME’s to grow and generate new employment.

1)      “Get Digital Faster” Fibre network rollout

Stockport Council has been working with BT Openreach and TfGM to extend the existing superfast fibre network across Stockport, ensuring previously unserved areas of the borough are able to access fibre broadband. 

The £15m programme which commenced in 2014, extends over 8 local authority areas in Greater Manchester and is funded by the European Regional Development Fund BT, Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) and the 8 local authorities.  

Already, many premises in Stockport Town centre (please see the attached list of postcodes) are able to access superfast broadband through the extended fibre network and many more will be able to connect over the next 12 months.

Once your street cabinet is installed, and you’re able to take advantage of the improved network, you’re advised to contact your internet service provider to request a fibre service. To provide more information we’ve developed a web site (www.get-digital-faster.info) which lists alternative service providers you can contact, if you wish to change.  The web site also lets you know when you’ll be able to connect, if you can’t already.   

2)      Superconnected Cities Vouchers

In addition, small and medium sized businesses across Stockport (including Stockport Town Centre) are also now eligible to apply for up to £3,000 grant funding towards upgrading their broadband connectivity. Grants are available through the government agency Broadband Delivery UK and applications can be made via www.connectionvouchers.co.uk or further information obtained from Manchester Council’s website   www.manchester.gov.uk/superconnected

What’s on offer:

•   If fibre is available in your area you can choose from a wide variety of suppliers: each will offer different
     levels of service and price.

•   If fibre is not available in your area you’ll find new superfast business broadband services are now
    available . Alternatively businesses in multi-tenanted properties or trading estates can group together to
    get a shared leased line.  

•   If you already have fast connectivity but need more capacity the grants will support a dedicated leased
    line.

The grant is available for a limited period (March 2016) so it is advisable to start exploring your options now. 

Finally, if you are seeking advice on how to make the best use of the internet in your business, services are available from the Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub. Please refer to the “Digital Growth” pages of their web site  www.businessgrowthhub.com for further information.