£1.2m two county project set to help rural communities become better connected

Major plans for faster and more reliable internet speeds for communities who need it the most have moved a step closer.

Derbyshire County Council is supporting the D2N2 Gigahubs project which is being led by Nottinghamshire County Council across the two counties.

Initial survey work has already begun, with the aim of benefitting up to 28 public buildings in rural locations such as libraries, schools, doctors’ surgeries to have faster, reliable gigabit broadband.   

Eligibility is based on the quality of the existing broadband, location and whether the public building is due to benefit from other planned commercial broadband upgrades.

Based on this criteria, 21 sites have been identified across Derbyshire, plus one in Derby city and two in Nottinghamshire, with more eligible sites to be identified.

Now telecommunications specialists Neos Networks has been appointed to deliver the scheme. Neos is partnering up with Openreach and Netomnia to help with the infrastructure build.

It is expected that the full scheme will be live by Spring 2026. 

The scheme is funded by the department formerly known as the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, (now the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government) thanks to an early investment as part of East Midlands Combined County Authority devolution negotiations in 2023. 

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment Councillor Carolyn Renwick said: “We’re pleased to be supporting this project to bring better, faster, broadband to our communities, particularly in rural schools, libraries, and health facilities.

“As broadband services evolve it’s important that we continue to keep pace to bridge the digital divide and make sure that our rural communities aren’t left behind.

“That’s why Government funding for this project as part of the devolution process was much-welcomed to help support residents in accessing essential online services, education, and employment opportunities.”

Nottinghamshire County Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, commented: “We are so proud to be leading this project. This appointment is great news as having better broadband in our communities will really help those who can’t afford or access high-speed broadband at home.

“Whole classrooms in rural areas could be online at once with no interruptions and there will be more options to host virtual field trips, to help broaden pupils’ educational experiences.

“Residents will also be able to pop into local libraries to help with things like online searches for work and training, which will further boost local skills and the economy.

“While face-to-face health advice is always the preference, having the option for a high-quality video call with a doctor could help to reduce waiting times.” 

David Bruce, Chief Revenue Officer at Neos Networks, said: "We're delighted to be supporting this project to improve access to better, faster connectivity for local communities in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

"Drawing on our extensive network reach and partnerships with established market players, the build and deployment of this new infrastructure will provide councils with a cost-effective solution to offer new digital services at local sites.

"Much of the UK still has to deal with sub-par connectivity. This new network will ensure the availability of high-speed connectivity for citizens across urban, semi-rural and rural locations, as this project enhances digital and social inclusion across the region.

"We look forward to working with the local authorities involved as they promote new social and economic opportunities for communities."

For more information: The D2N2 Gigahubs Project | Nottinghamshire County Council