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09/12/2013
Internet Funding Package For Small Businesses Announced
Small businesses across Northern Ireland are to receive a funding package of up to £3,000 for faster Internet connections to help improve online access.
The broadband voucher scheme is part of the Super-connected Belfast project and follows a pilot scheme over the summer to test trade take-up for the vouchers.
Target locations were identified in the Cathedral Quarter, City East, Ormeau Business Park, Ortus, Argyle Business Park, North City Business Centre and the Harbour Estate.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has now given the green light to a full rollout of the scheme in ten cities.
It will be extended to a further 12 cities in early 2014.
Belfast City Council is contributing £3m towards the Super-connected programme, with additional funding expected to come from the European Regional Development Fund and the private sector.
Communications Minister Ed Vaizey said: "The broadband market is moving at an incredible pace. Today, businesses expect and demand faster and faster broadband to compete in the global race. Connection vouchers will be an important tool for cities in helping to address that demand, and government has now allocated up to £100 million to provide a digital boost to super-connected cities like Belfast."
Alderman Gavin Robinson, Chair of the Council’s Strategic and Policy Resources Committee, said: "This is amazing news for our city. As a pilot scheme, we received more applications than any other city, and our Super-connected Belfast team have developed online and back office applications which can be used as the foundation of this city-wide scheme.
"We have received positive feedback from applicants and telecoms suppliers taking part in the pilot scheme. Through their applications, businesses have indicated that improving broadband connectivity will be responsible for the creation of at least 300 jobs in the next three years, as well as a potential growth of up to £20 million in the local economy."
(IT)
The broadband voucher scheme is part of the Super-connected Belfast project and follows a pilot scheme over the summer to test trade take-up for the vouchers.
Target locations were identified in the Cathedral Quarter, City East, Ormeau Business Park, Ortus, Argyle Business Park, North City Business Centre and the Harbour Estate.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has now given the green light to a full rollout of the scheme in ten cities.
It will be extended to a further 12 cities in early 2014.
Belfast City Council is contributing £3m towards the Super-connected programme, with additional funding expected to come from the European Regional Development Fund and the private sector.
Communications Minister Ed Vaizey said: "The broadband market is moving at an incredible pace. Today, businesses expect and demand faster and faster broadband to compete in the global race. Connection vouchers will be an important tool for cities in helping to address that demand, and government has now allocated up to £100 million to provide a digital boost to super-connected cities like Belfast."
Alderman Gavin Robinson, Chair of the Council’s Strategic and Policy Resources Committee, said: "This is amazing news for our city. As a pilot scheme, we received more applications than any other city, and our Super-connected Belfast team have developed online and back office applications which can be used as the foundation of this city-wide scheme.
"We have received positive feedback from applicants and telecoms suppliers taking part in the pilot scheme. Through their applications, businesses have indicated that improving broadband connectivity will be responsible for the creation of at least 300 jobs in the next three years, as well as a potential growth of up to £20 million in the local economy."
(IT)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mix of sunny spells and a few, mainly light, showers during the morning, mostly in the west. Cloudier with scattered showers into the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Scattered showers and clear spells continue through this evening, becoming dry with clear skies for a time overnight. Clouding over by morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
