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We are carrying out a consultation to help us to identify areas that may be suitable for future public funding for superfast broadband.

Background

Digital Durham is working to provide superfast broadband in the council areas of County Durham, Gateshead, Sunderland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Tees Valley (Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Redcar and Cleveland). We work in partnership with Broadband Delivery (BDUK), which is part of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Digital Durham contracts with suppliers who receive public funding to provide superfast broadband in areas where it is either not available or not included in any future commercial plans. Decisions on where this public funding can be spent are made following consultation and state aid approval.

Last year, we asked broadband providers to supply information on their existing coverage, in addition to plans for the next three years for both basic and superfast broadband. This information was used to draft a classification of supply in the area and for individual premises.

What are we consulting on?

To make sure that we invest in the right areas, we are consulting on the draft classification of superfast broadband coverage for postcode areas.

Broadband suppliers, residents, businesses and all other organisations have the opportunity to comment on classifications, ask questions, and if necessary provide evidence to change a classification if you feel it is incorrect.

Durham County Council is the lead body for the Digital Durham programme. Information on the consultation, superfast classifications for a particular postcode and how to respond can be found on their website through the following link: http://www.durham.gov.uk/article/21388