More funding is being made available to help County Durham’s rural businesses and residents access a faster internet connection.

Durham County Council is adding £500,000 to top up a government funding scheme, helping to connect properties in some of the hardest to reach areas of the country.

The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS) offers a one-off contribution to businesses and residents in rural areas to subsidise the installation costs of a gigabit-capable, full-fibre broadband connection.

The top-up doubles the funding amount available through the GBVS to eligible applicants. For homes, the maximum funding per voucher will be £3,000, while SMEs (small and medium-enterprises) can claim up to £7,000.

Read more about this funding and eligibility criteria here.