Connecting Kent - what we're doing to improve broadband coverage

Our Connecting Kent plan aims to provide the best possible digital infrastructure for Kent's businesses and residents.

This means making the very best use of our existing fast broadband links, standing up for local communities who need improved access and influencing the market to provide the very best digital infrastructure for Kent.

It supports the long-term aims of our regeneration framework '21st Century Kent - Unlocking Kent's Potential' to make sure that by 2030:

• Kent has the best local business information networks and the best public service information system in the UK
• rural businesses are attracted to Kent by its digital connectivity and the rural economy is connected to the UK's best network
• digital connectivity attracts a major knowledge economy and business innovation clusters through Kent similar to California's Silicon Valley.

Our approach

Our approach to 'Connecting Kent' is based on the fact that service providers will enter the market only if they identify a viable commercial opportunity. So we are actively trying to increase demand from businesses and communities to attract private sector investment.

We have set 5 clear priorities to improve digital connectivity in Kent:

• increase market demand from businesses and communities to make it commercially viable for broadband suppliers to provide services
• reduce connection costs by enabling broadband suppliers to link in to the Kent Public Service Network - a broadband network developed in partnership by 16 public sector organisations across Kent
• reduce national regulation so that we can fully exploit the existing public service infrastructure, for example being able to use the broadband fibre laid next to motorways or that running alongside rail tracks to operate signals
• tackle 'not spots' so that broadband can be brought to communities in Kent that currently have little or no provision (these communities will not see any improvement for several years under government plans to roll-out broadband)
• take broadband to Kent homes and businesses so that they have the very best connectivity, not simply a minimal standard

Our plan

During the next year and beyond we will be:

• encouraging local communities to bid for funding for broadband through our Superfast Broadband Pilot Fund and our Community Broadband Grant schemes
• discussing with broadband suppliers to increase market activity in Kent and new commercial opportunities in partnership with KCC and local communities
• campaigning intensively to increase broadband demand across Kent
• holding major business and community events
• working with local communities to support new digital solutions