Two major telecoms companies have been given the green light to compete for the project to create a “national framework for superfast broadband” that will include Wiltshire, Swindon and South Gloucestershire.
The Department for Culture Media and Sport has selected BT Wholesale and Fujitsu as the only two companies authorised to bid for the government-funded broadband schemes for the first five areas in the country.
Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire Council, has welcomed the move. “I’m delighted by this development,” she told Marlborough News Online.
“This project is vital to our economy. Having high speed internet connectivity will be critical to the success of businesses already based in the county but will also be a huge attraction to those looking to move in.”
“We now look forward to the businesses submitting their tenders to provide this much needed service in Wiltshire”.
Invitations to tender have been sent to both companies for the right to become the private partner for the three authorities and build the region’s new superfast infrastructure.
Wiltshire Council, which is leading the regional procurement, is investing £16 million into the programme alongside £4.6 million from the government, the capital investment totalling some £23 million.
The award of contract is anticipated in October of this year but it will require the UK government being awarded State Aid by the European Commission in advance of this decision.
