Kent County Council has been praised by government for promoting better internet connection in the region.

The government today called on local councils to ensure residents can access better broadband and mobile connectivity.

Boosting gigabit broadband rollout and 5G mobile coverage is "crucial to the UK’s coronavirus recovery", according to a statement released by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman and Local Government Minister Simon Clarke are urging councils to follow new government advice on land access and valuations, which would speed up deals granting access for new infrastructure such as 5G masts and full fibre broadband cabinets on public land.

New guidance has been issued to assuage disinformation about 5G masts, following claims erroneously suggesting they cause Covid-19.

The debunked conspiracy has led to masts and their engineers being attacked.

The government statement singled out Kent and Cambridgeshire as "excellent examples of local authorities working effectively to encourage next-generation gigabit broadband networks."

University of Kent's Professor Nathan Gomes calls 5G conspiracy "ridiculous"

A UK-wide 'Rural Gigabit Voucher Scheme' is allotting money to residents in isolated communities, installing gigabit-capable broadband to their premises when part of a group project.

Premises with broadband speeds of less than 30Mbps can use vouchers worth up to £3,500 for each small and medium-sized business, and up to £1,500 per residential premise to support the cost of installing new gigabit-capable connections.

Where KCC excels is in its 'Kent Top-up Voucher Scheme', which allows county residents up to £1,000 of additional funding.

Kent homes can therefore get vouchers worth up to £2,500 instead of the standard voucher amount of up to £1,500 elsewhere.

The Kent Top-Up Voucher only applies to residents - not businesses - and the County Council has allocated funds of £2,290,152 to deliver this.

Fore more information on KCC's broadband schemes, click here .

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