Gigabit Broadband for Essex
The strategy includes opportunities to develop digital skills and identifies ways to drive adoption of digital technology. Strategy was sketched out at the launch of the County Councils Leveling Up program for the rural Braintree at Sible Hedingham Village Hall on 10th June. Rural Braintree was identified as one of the six priority areas in our Leveling Up White Paper. The area is at risk of being left behind in the digital revolution due to lack of connectivity. The new digital strategy for Essex is actively working on a local grant program using government funds and ECC reinvestment that would bring gigabit capable broadband to the area and could help address inequalities including job prospects and poor mental and physical health.
The new digital strategy for Essex sets clear goals that we aim to achieve by 2025: Super fast speeds across all Essex premises. More than 85% of Gigabit-capable services available. of premises in Essex. 4G service is available in 99% of the Essex geography. 5G services are available in all major employment locations and in identified priority areas.
Cllr Lesley Wagland OBE, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Infrastructure and Planning said: Providing Essex residents and businesses with access to excellent digital connectivity is high on my list of priorities and is an important foundation for Leveling Up Essex. The Digital Strategy will not only build on driving the deployment of infrastructure for gigabit-capable broadband and mobile connectivity, but will also focus on providing opportunities and access to digital technologies. We want to make sure no one is left behind in the digital revolution.
