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A superfast broadband scheme worth £1.4 million in Berkshire has been given the green light by the European Commission
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EU green light for superfast broadband scheme

November 26, 2012

A superfast broadband scheme worth £1.4 million in Berkshire has been given the green light by the European Commission, following pressure from an MEP.

Work to start laying cable can now start which will mean improved internet speeds to homes and businesses in the countryside.

In July, Liberal Democrat Catherine Bearder – one of the South of England’s MEPs – urged the commission to release the cash amid fears that delays to the scheme were starting to damage companies.

She said: “Superfast broadband is crucial to build a strong economy, where everyone has the opportunity to make a success of their business.

“This will create jobs and growth for Berkshire and ensure we can compete fairly with the big cities.

“It is also very important for local and national government to deliver public services effectively online and to going about our everyday lives.

“For too long, our area has missed out on investment in broadband.

“I have always been clear we must not miss out on the digital age and I will be working with the coalition Government and our local authorities to ensure we deliver superfast broadband as soon as possible.”

The European Commission permission was needed because the project was partially state-aided.

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Most recent user comments 12 of 12

Most of central Reading is already on VDSL (superfast for those who like marketing hype) but a lot of the town centre apartments cant get it or Virgin cable.

I hope they sort these out with the fibre to the premises option at some point.

Rural Berkshire also needs the faster speeds so its good to see something being done, even if it is effectively giving free money to BT who would have done it anyway.

lazy days
03/12/2012 at 17:45

usually "Unlimited"*

*Fair use policy with a maximum of x per month before they start slowing your speeds.

It a sham really and very much like buying a Ferrari then being told you can only drive it at 30mph.

Stephen B, Praha
27/11/2012 at 10:34

Just thought I'd type this and press submit using my 80MB Infinity!

Grumpy Dad,Lower Earley, Reading
26/11/2012 at 15:01

Before worrying about super broadband we need the very slow speeds that are crippling areas like Finchampstead sorted out.

There are areas of Berkshire where it is impossible to download at some times of the day.

PoneRana, Wokingham
26/11/2012 at 13:30

I think paying for Broadband with moths is a fine idea and I hope someone starts using it soon.

Decent internet speeds are vital for many activities. There are parts of Reading that could do with better speeds. I expect rural Berkshire is even worse.

NotJohn, Reading
26/11/2012 at 13:24

Please don't say all the roads have got to be dug up AGAIN.

The Realist
26/11/2012 at 13:07

Everywhere else seems to be getting it. So when?

Hugh J, Reading
26/11/2012 at 11:18

....of course that should read a set "MONTHLY" fee. They don't take Moths in payment for services....

Blue Doodles, West Reading
26/11/2012 at 10:18

Thanks for the somewhat frosty reply. I wasn't having a dig. I would suggest that you look around for better deals as most providers these days BT/Virgin etc offer unlimited downloads for a set mothly fee.