OLDHAM BUSINESSES are being urged to act “superfast” and take advantage of a voucher broadband scheme from Oldham Council.
From Wednesday, April 1, the local authority is offering grants of up to £3,000 to install superfast broadband or to double their existing speed if it is already above 30 mgB.
The purpose of the SuperConnected scheme, administered by Manchester City Council on behalf of Oldham Council, is to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and third sector organisations to meet the upfront capital costs of a high-speed connection.
The council has already invested £369,000 towards the roll out of super-fast broadband across the borough which will ensure that 99.6 per cent of premises will have access to this speed by the end of 2017.
The new voucher scheme adds to that investment by paying towards the costs of connection for local businesses.
Companies were given advice and support about the scheme at a special digital business breakfast at Oldham College.
After receiving a voucher, companies only have to pay VAT on the connection charge and the monthly subscription fee for their new broadband connection.
Businesses can also choose to get their faster broadband via wireless technology.
A voucher can be claimed by an individual organisation, or several organisations can apply as a group, through a landlord or agent.
Councillor Shoab Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Employment and Enterprise, said: “Oldham Council is keen for superfast broadband to be made available to as many residents and businesses.
“We understand the importance of businesses having fast broadband speeds in this ever-increasing digital and virtual world we live in.
“Faster internet connections mean greater efficiencies and access to improved services.
“We’ve worked hard to get access to this excellent scheme which will support the growth of our businesses, third-party organisations – and also boost our local economy.
“Greater Manchester is determined to be one of the world’s leading digital regions and that includes helping our own businesses to access superfast or ultrafast broadband.
“This is a great window of opportunity for local businesses and I would urge those interested to get in touch and take advantage.”
Interested businesses should register for the voucher scheme by visiting www.manchester.gov.uk/superconnected
There is only a limited amount of funding available nationally and it is on a first come first served basis.
If residents and businesses want to see whether they already have superfast broadband or when it is going to be provided in the future, visit the Get Digital website.
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