Next generation broadband will stimulate economy, says Osborne
October 21st, 2010
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has suggested that providing super-fast broadband could benefit the economy.
Following the publication of the Comprehensive Spending Review, rural communities have discovered that the decision to trial such technology in remote areas has not been abandoned by the coalition government.
Places in Cumbria, North Yorkshire and the Highlands among others will have the chance to enjoy the high-speed internet connection, after it survived the spending cuts.
"It will help encourage the growth of our creative industries as a key part of the new economy we are seeking to build," said Mr Osborne.
The project to facilitate broadband in remote areas is expected to cost about £530 million, with the BBC agreeing to contribute about £300 million of this figure.
Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph suggested that several months of campaigning by academics may have helped ensure the government's £4.6 billion science budget was ring-fenced, despite the review scything public spending by about £82 billion.

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