Agenda item

Julie Tattershall, Projects and Contracts Manager, delivered a presentation regarding Superfast South Yorkshire (SFSY) and Accelerating Digital Barnsley.  It was highlighted that SFSY is a partnership team part funded by the four South Yorkshire authorities, BDUK, Openreach and the SCR LEP.  Availability of superfast broadband has been boosted to over 98% and has brought 119,916 new connections to South Yorkshire.  Support has been provided to SMEs across the Region in terms of connectivity and advice.    In the North East Area Council Area, 3178 homes are now 'ready for service'.  The Accelerating Digital Barnsley project provides connections to properties which are not commercially viable by increasing gigabit capable broadband from commercial infrastructure providers.  In 2025 any copper telephone cables will be turned off.  In terms of the 'Internet of Things' (IoT), sensors can be installed on council assets to collect data which will help with decision making - for example air quality sensors in the town centre - and this could save money.  Planning for 5g mobile network is underway.  Work is also progressing regarding combatting digital exclusion - which came to the fore during Covid-19 restrictions - for example working closely with care homes and schools around connectivity/digital exclusion and delivering skills training.  The project has also been involved with the ‘laptops for children’ scheme, with a donated devices scheme based at DMC and in partnership with Horizon Community College. 

RESOLVED that Julie be thanked for her attendance and contribution and the presentation be noted