Norfolk pioneers 'Fast Start' approach to nationwide broadband roll-out
Ed Vaizey attends inaugural meeting in Norwich to ensure smooth delivery of the country’s broadband scheme.
Communications Minister Ed Vaizey visited Norwich’s County Hall today to join representatives from Norfolk County Council and BT at the first ‘Fast Start’ initiative meeting in the UK.
Norfolk has been selected to pioneer a new approach to the roll out of superfast broadband, which will help ensure the smooth delivery of the county’s broadband scheme.
With the nationwide roll-out of superfast broadband already well under way, Government, Local Authorities and suppliers are keen to ensure that delivery is not hampered by any complications arising at individual locations. The Fast Start initiative will see local representatives from all parties involved in the roll-out convene at the very beginning of the process, identify any concerns and agree a course of action.
Broadband for all
“Norfolk is on track to double access to superfast broadband for homes and businesses, and by having these discussions now, we can help ensure that the people of Norfolk will receive all the benefits that superfast broadband has to offer at the very earliest opportunity,” said Vaizey.
The benefits of this new approach to the Norfolk pilot should become rapidly apparent, and Government will then look to adopt this scheme throughout the UK.
Norfolk has been selected to pilot the scheme as it is one of the first areas in the UK to procure its wholesale rural broadband infrastructure contract.