£3,000 Government support for Better Business Broadband extended to 50 cities
Politicians of all persuasions are agreed that improving connections is of key importance for business growth. And if we’re going to be “green” about it, superfast broadband is probably a better (and more immediate) communications option than HS2.
We’ve discussed the benefits of upgrading your broadband connection before – Superfast Broadband – what is it and what does it mean to your business? – helping to boost your bottom line through a raft of features that not only help you improve customer service, but also make your employees’ lives better through enhanced communication and collaboration.
To help and encourage businesses to make that upgrade, the Government has recently extended its scheme whereby eligible SMEs can receive up to £3,000 towards the cost of new superfast broadband.
Now 50 “super connected” cities are involved, so the first action you need is to check if your postcode is within the eligible area for your business.
There are some other criteria for eligibility – for instance you have to be a SME*, registered charity, social enterprise or sole trader, and the connection has to be for your business premises (which could be your home, if it’s your main workplace). You also have to sign up to a minimum 6 month contract with your broadband supplier – but that’s pretty much a standard requirement anyway.
Providing the installation cost is over £100 and the broadband service you choose will actually deliver a speed or performance improvement on what you have currently (well what would be the point if it didn’t?) and you haven’t already had £120,000 of grants in the previous 3 years, you should be good to go.
In total £40 million has been set aside for the vouchers which are available on a first come, first served basis – the value of each voucher issued will be taken from the total until the funds are exhausted.
Direct Voice & Data is part of the Government’s Broadband Connection Vouchers scheme for Super Connected Cities and to receive one you’ll need a connection quote from us.
Remember it’s first come, first served – we have a dedicated sales team to assist you with the application process, so please call them on free phone 0808 165 86 86 now!
*The European Commission definition of a SME is an individual company with fewer than 250 employees; turnover of less than €50m or balance sheet of less than €43m
