Faster broadband funding is made available in Kent
Rural communities in Kent which have slow broadband connections are now able to bid for money from £1.5m fund to help speed them up.
Kent County Council (KCC) has announced that community groups, parish councils and local authorities can apply for grants of up to £100,000.
The council said that all applications must have a sound business case.
"Having access to fast broadband is as important as any other utility service," said Councillor Kevin Lynes.
Broadband 'not spots'
"Successful bids will be able to make a real difference to local people and change their quality of life," said Mr Lynes, the cabinet member for regeneration and economic development.
"Many rural areas have 'not spots' which means they have either slow broadband or no service at all."
KCC said it hoped the faster internet connections would help businesses run in rural areas, and so create employment and wealth.
"However, there are only so many communities we can help, and ultimately by helping to prove the demand for broadband we hope the telecoms providers will take responsibility for bringing this technology to 'harder to reach' areas," said Mr Lynes.