Derbyshire County Council is working hard to improve broadband access in Derbyshire – and needs your help.

Broadband Survey
The County Council has been allocated £7.39 million from the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK scheme – but has to find the same amount in match-funding in order to receive the money.

A key part of this is showing public demand for improved broadband coverage to encourage investment from providers.

They realise a fast and reliable broadband connection can be vital to help community groups, sports clubs and charities thrive, as well as being important to businesses.

So they really need you to share your experiences by filling in their survey at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/broadbandsurvey

It will only take a few minutes of your time and could help unlock vital funds to boost broadband across Derbyshire.  Also you could also win one of five £50 High Street vouchers in their prize draw for your troubles.

Your help is very much appreciated.

Could you be our Volunteer Local Broadband Champion?
The County Council is keen to work with local people to bring fast and reliable broadband to Derbyshire and a key part of this is the recruitment of broadband champions.

Broadband champions are volunteers who the County Council is supporting to:

   spread the word about the Digital Derbyshire programme in their towns and villages

   help gather information about broadband speeds

   highlight demand for better broadband in their community

   help residents and businesses understand how they can benefit from superfast broadband.

The County Council’s launch event, which took place in January 2012, was well attended and a number of people have stepped forward to take up the role − providing a voice for their community as the plans progress. You can see a copy of the presentation at the event on the County Council’s web site at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/community/lottery_funding/community_broadband/broadband_champions/default.asp.

To find out more about the role you can contact the Parish Council at contact@westhallam-pc.org.uk or email the County Council direct at broadband@derbyshire.gov.uk. A guide to the role of broadband champions is also available in the related documents section of their Broadband Champions web page (link above).