Issue details

·         To outline proposals to further extend Superfast Broadband (Phase 2) accessibility across South Yorkshire in order to make fibre broadband available to as close to 100% coverage as possible (excluding the majority of Sheffield City Centre because the European Commission has determined that as this is the ‘Urban Core’ of Sheffield, there is no market failure, and thus the use of public funding would represent state aid). Extending coverage brings significant economic opportunities for residents, business and the public sector whilst ensuring South Yorkshire does not fall behind other regions.

·           To seek approval for the Council to contribute £1.5m funding to support the extension of Superfast Broadband across South Yorkshire. The total funding for Phase 2 across South Yorkshire is approx. £3.5M, Sheffield’s portion is based on population. The recommended method of funding will be ‘cost neutral’ to Sheffield City Council