Essex County Council has launched a new £1.88 million programme to support digital connectivity and tackle digital exclusion.
Its Digital Essex team will lead the effort under the council’s digital strategy – first published in June – over the next four years in line with the Everyone’s Essex levelling up plan.
Plans include the development of a local grant scheme to provide additional funding to reach the final 1% of rural addresses that still cannot access decent broadband.
The ambitions outlined in the strategy include making 4G services available across 99% of the county and 5G at all key employment locations and in identified priority areas.
The investment is in addition to £14 million spent by the council on upgrading digital infrastructure across the county with its superfast broadband programme, which has so far boosted connections to 160,000 homes and businesses.
Cllr Lesley Wagland (pictured), Essex’s cabinet member for economic renewal, infrastructure and planning, said: “This funding will help to ensure that no individual or business is excluded from digital opportunities due to lack of infrastructure, affordable access, equipment, or skills.
“Enabling people to build the skills they need to be part of the business recovery is key to a stronger economy for the future. That’s why it’s so important for us to give our residents the confidence to take advantage of digital services and employment opportunities.”
