PEOPLE living in rural areas of Cheshire East are set for big improvements in connectivity after a £4.5 million deal was signed with a broadband provider.

The project with Airband will deliver full-fibre broadband connectivity to over 4,000 properties, including local businesses, in hard-to-reach areas within the Connecting Cheshire partnership region.

With the support of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the project is expected to complete deployment by March 2023.

Cheshire East Council says the implementation of the infrastructure to underserved, isolated and rural areas will be "life changing" and will help boost productivity and provide more growth opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.

With much of the Cheshire East population working from their homes during the pandemic, the importance of a reliable broadband connection has been thrust into the spotlight.

Cllr Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council's Cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: "The fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) deal with Airband comes at a key time during the pandemic, to provide optimum connectivity to homeworkers and businesses across Cheshire East.

"The innovative methods to connect hard-to-reach and rural areas will certainly boost work productivity and streaming family entertainment services during national lockdown and beyond.

"Swifter internet services will help limit many of the frustrations people are facing now, juggling home and work life. It is crucial that everyone has sufficient internet at all hours to suit diverse working patterns and household needs."

Redmond Peel, founder and director of Airband, said: "We are excited to have won this contract. Our focus has always been on expanding and simplifying digital access for rural communities. With access to high-quality broadband fast becoming a human right, we can't wait to get started building the network that will give residents of rural and hard-to-reach areas of Cheshire the connectivity they deserve."

More details of the coverage areas is to be published in the coming weeks, while Cheshire East Council and the Connecting Cheshire partnership are exploring further solutions for problem connectivity areas that may not be covered by this roll-out.