Thousands of Tees Valley businesses set for connectivity boost with £5bn government scheme

More than 40,000 homes and businesses in Tees Valley are expected to benefit from ‘hugely increased’ broadband speeds as the Government rolls out ‘Project Gigabit.’

The first phase of the £5bn scheme will begin in the first half of 2022 and target hard-to-reach properties with slow connections across the UK.

It is expected that Internet speeds in these properties will rise to 1GB. The project aims to increase recovery from the pandemic and fire up high growth sectors such as tech and creative industries.

Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor, said: “This much-needed boost will make sure no one is left behind as we continue to stay connected and take advantage of the new opportunities of increased digitisation.”

He continued: “More than that, it will help some of our key sectors central to my plan for jobs – such as the creative industries – go above and beyond in playing a part in our economy, growing and creating the jobs of the future.”

The Government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme is also being relaunched on April 8 and is expected to give eligible residents and businesses in rural areas financial help to get gigabit speeds.

The government will also make up to £110m available to connect public sector buildings in hard to reach parts of the UK.

Boris Johnson, UK Prime Minister, commented: “This broadband revolution will fire up people’s businesses and homes, and the vital public services that we all rely on, so we can continue to level up and build back better from this pandemic.”