Over 40,000 companies throughout the UK have already taken advantage of Government subsidies issued to help defray the cost of installing superfast broadband. The Connection Voucher Scheme has been quite successful so far, having gained great popularity through recent months. Now, Digital Minister Ed Vaizey has called for an even bigger response from companies that have not yet applied to take advantage of this offer.
The scheme will close in March of next year. However, as at the moment there are up to 1,000 applications being processed on a weekly basis, the £40-million budget could well be spent long before that date. It’s best not to wait too long, as applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis.
Commenting on the issue of connection vouchers, Mr. Vaizey said: “Our offer to small businesses has been a tremendous success and is proving incredibly popular. More than 40,000 UK businesses have already taken up our offer, which is aimed at boosting both their broadband speeds as well as their bottom line. Businesses need to act now to ensure they don’t miss out on this fantastic offer and I’m urging all eligible businesses to apply now before it’s too late.”
The scheme is not limited to any particular area and last month it was extended to Derbyshire and Cambridgeshire.
Having a good broadband connection is vital in today’s economy and for firms to compete internationally in the digital world, this is just one of the tools that can be used to develop a competitive advantage. Most of the vouchers that have been issued up to the end of August 2015 were for businesses in London. The total number of businesses that have taken advantage of the offer here currently sits at 11,664. The North West, Yorkshire and Humberside follow London.