“This is the news we have been waiting to hear,” he said. “We have fought hard for this opportunity. This is an excellent day for Cambridge and our local businesses.
“Ultrafast broadband will give our local economy a much-needed boost. It opens up business opportunities in the city, boosting growth even further. It puts our city even further on the map as places where new businesses can start up, grow and thrive.
“I hope it will include free WiFi across the centre of Cambridge. This would be an excellent scheme for everyone!
“For established businesses there are huge opportunities to expand trade across the country and internationally. With high speed internet access there are no boundaries and the possibilities are endless.
“Ultrafast broadband will also bring many benefits for our residents. It puts a whole host of services within reach, whether it be running a business from home, taking an educational course or learning a new skill, booking theatre tickets or shopping on-line.
“Until now, internet access in some areas has been intermittent, restrictive and frustrating. This opens up the web. Hopefully it will encourage more people to become computer literate and help to combat social isolation. I look forward to seeing the huge differences this project will make.”
Notes
1. Chancellor George Osborne announced in his Autumn Statement today that Cambridge is one of 12 smaller cities chosen from a shortlist of 27 to share £50 million in the second wave of the Department of Culture Media and Sport’s Urban Broadband Fund.
2. The plan will boost the local economy by delivering broadband speeds greater than 80-100 mbps for businesses, speeding up residential connectivity, and providing high speed wireless across the urban Cambridge area.
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Huppert welcomes superfast broadband for Cambridge
6 December 2012
MP Julian Huppert has welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement that Cambridge has won a share of £50 million Government funding to deliver superfast broadband to homes and businesses.