Schools and libraries get 'lightning-fast' broadband

Schools, libraries and recycling centres in rural areas of Leicestershire are to benefit from "lightning-fast" broadband.

"Gigahubs" have been installed to give 43 public services access to gigabit-capable broadband - the fastest available - in areas including Lutterworth, Market Bosworth and Old Dalby.

Leicestershire County Council said the "pioneering" £1.5m programme aimed to offer "cutting-edge digital resources" to pupils and enable libraries to offer more activities.

Leicestershire was one of seven counties in the country to be selected to get WiFi speeds of up to 1,000mbps (megabits per second) as part of a £5bn government project.

Project Gigabit, which is also being rolled out in Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire, aims to bring faster speeds to hard-to-reach communities, according to the government.

Internet speeds across the UK average about 73mbps.

The government said it wanted 85% of the population to have access to gigabit broadband by 2025, with the whole country benefiting from the same speed by 2030.

Leicestershire County Council said the local scheme, which was completed in March, will be fully rolled out within the next few months.

Thirty schools to benefit include Old Dalby Primary School, Somerby Primary School, Sheepy Magna Primary School and Long Clawson Primary School.

Connection speeds will also be boosted in seven libraries in Desford, Fleckney, Lutterworth, Market Bosworth, Sapcote, Sileby and Stoney Stanton.

Recycling and household waste sites in Kibworth, Lutterworth and Market Harborough have also had the service installed, as well as the Croft County Council office.

Councillor Pam Posnett, cabinet member for broadband at the council, said getting access to gigabit-capable broadband was "essential".

"This is a real feather in our cap and great news for our rural areas," she said.

"I'm delighted we’re one of the first counties to complete the roll out, which means more children can benefit from cutting-edge digital resources, creates new opportunities to bring communities together and encourages commercial suppliers to bring the fastest speeds to more places."

Telecoms minister Chris Bryant added: "Our investment is more than just a technological upgrade; it's a catalyst for change in Leicestershire.

"By enhancing connectivity for schools, libraries and public services, we're transforming how communities and individuals engage with the digital world.

"Students in Leicestershire's most remote schools will now be able to dive into interactive online learning experiences without the frustration of buffering.

"Libraries can now offer a broader range of digital resources, and public services can operate more efficiently."

Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.