Essex Council Offers Funding to Support Community WiFi Networks

The Essex County Council (ECC) and Superfast Essex project have recently introduced a new Community Wi-Fi Scheme, which offers small grants to help local communities to setup a public WiFi network via community hubs (village hall, community centre etc.).

The scheme is aimed at but not limited to community hubs that have already been enabled to access “superfast broadband” (24Mbps+) connectivity. Under this approach the community hubs can buy a broadband service from either APC Solutions or County Broadband (approved suppliers), while the initial set-up costs (not service rental) will be supported by the local Community Initiatives Fund (CIF).

The CIF is a small grants scheme funded by ECC (excluding Southend and Thurrock) which is designed to fund community projects that can create, procure or develop new community assets, as well as enhance existing community assets and enhance or develop initiatives that strengthen a community. Up to £400 can be claimed per community hub for the Wi-Fi service.

Further details can be found here:
http://www.superfastessex.org/communitywifischeme