Tired of buffering videos due to unreliable internet? Does access to broadband connectivity limit your ability to book appointments? Unable to access important banking services due to poor connectivity?

That’s where Digital Cheshire comes in.

The Digital Cheshire program drives digital adoption and rural network delivery to create a gigabit-connected and inclusive sub-region in Cheshire, Warrington and Halton.

Working with Building Digital UK and internet service providers, the initiative supports the delivery of gigabit broadband to communities by 2030, bridging the digital divide for rural businesses and residents.

Through the development of a strategic partnership and leveraging collaboration with its four local council partners; Cheshire East, Cheshire West & Chester, Warrington Borough, and Halton Borough — the partnership has made significant progress since its launch. The initiative has successfully connected over 100,000 premises and continues to secure funding for broadband investment to transform digital infrastructure across the region.

Relationships with commercial suppliers and a level of understanding of their commercial delivery plans allow the Digital Cheshire team to support local residents and businesses through a comprehensive range of broadband connectivity and digital and business support initiatives.

This includes government-funded contracts and access to connectivity through Project Gigabit, the provision of a community-based voucher scheme for those living in rural areas, alternative technology grants, digital business support initiatives such as masterclasses, and digital inclusion and Community support is included.

Staying connected with family, accessing services, and enjoying digital conveniences can be difficult. The Digital Cheshire program addresses these issues with practical solutions.

Ann Pye, based in Cheshire East Borough, shares her experience with the Broadband Voucher Scheme: “The only way we could increase our speeds was through Fiber to the Premises (FTTP), which was only available through the Government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme and Digital I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to making the Cheshire Top Up Scheme possible.”

The move helps people stay connected to the world from the comfort of home, whether it’s through better access to online services or something like the ability to enjoy video calls.

Local businesses also feel the effects of the program. Holly Challinor, founder of Cheshire Botanicals, shared that Digital Cheshire helped the business “function properly without being held back by poor connectivity”. Faster upload speeds and better online supplier connections have supported her ambitions to boost marketing and increase website sales—something she highly recommends.

Get in touch via the website or email, and the team will get back to you to discuss the current broadband situation locally and share the options available.

For digital support, Digital Cheshire is running business networking events as well as masterclasses covering topics such as digital marketing, social media, SEO and campaign strategy.

Find out more about Digital Cheshire.

• Free masterclasses and business support as well as many ways to get better broadband connectivity.

• Email: [email protected]

• Visit the Digital Cheshire website for more information.