As part of the Local London Partnership, Havering has secured £800k through the London Authority’s Strategic Investment Pot, to be used to improve digital connectivity in the Rainham area.
The new fibre connection will provide a world class infrastructure and could be used to help manage transport, traffic planning, community safety and environmental monitoring.
It is also anticipated that the introduction of this new digital infrastructure will help to stimulate additional investment by the private sector, allowing for greater connectivity for businesses within the Rainham area.
Through the introduction of new ultrafast (gigabit) broadband capable infrastructure, it will improve the financial case for suppliers to expand networks into this part of the borough and serve new business clusters.
This runs alongside the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Gigabit voucher scheme. The voucher is worth £2,500 and can be used by small businesses and the local communities surrounding them to contribute to the installation cost of a Gigabit connection.
Councillor Damian White, Leader of the Council, said:
“This is great news for Havering. This funding will deliver new digital infrastructure and will provide greater support to businesses to gain better online access.
“Along with the recent announcement of the £1.6m secured for Rainham through the Good Growth Fund, this continues our commitment to ensuring that the benefits of regeneration continue to improve the lives of as many local businesses and residents as possible.”
The programme of works is scheduled to begin in April 2019.