Superfast Essex Phase 2 – State Aid Public Consultation

Consultation opens : 16/10/2014

Consultation closes : 17/11/2014

The Superfast Essex programme has already enabled more than 5,000 homes and businesses to receive broadband speeds of 24 Mb/s or more and the work is on schedule to enable a further 60,000 superfast connections by summer 2016. However, it has been recognised that the planned rollout will not reach a significant number of areas across Essex. Therefore the programme is now preparing a second phase of work, to commence in 2015. New White Area maps (showing the provision of broadband in Essex) have been prepared to define where the additional public investment should be targeted.

The purpose of the consultation is to make sure the White Area map is accurate. The consultation is a requirement set by the European Commission and the Department of Culture Media and Sports, which must be met before public money can be spent on providing broadband infrastructure where the market is not expected to invest.

This public consultation is aimed primarily at broadband suppliers in Essex as we would like to ensure that the White Area map reflects the local position across Essex as accurately as possible.

However, we also welcome comments from the all interested stakeholders including businesses, residents and infrastructure providers and will take these into consideration when finalising the White Area and Phase 2 plans.

To find out more and participate in the consultation please click here