The Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Accelerator (DCIA) pilot, run by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, will allocate up to £4 million of funding to local authorities for them to invest in, and deploy, advanced wireless networks.

The bid was led by the Berkshire Digital Infrastructure Group (DIG), made up of the six Berkshire local authorities and the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and it will see a £500,000 investment to fund the project.

Councillor Howard Woollaston (Con, Lambourn), West Berkshire Council's executive member for internal governance, leisure and culture said: “This is an important project which will help West Berkshire to benefit from first class technology. We live in an increasingly connected world and this is more important than ever with home working here to stay, and streaming, smart devices and similar having a greater impact on how we live our lives. This project will deliver better 4G and 5G connectivity, improve digital infrastructure across the area and help to ensure we remain an attractive place for businesses.”

Chief executive of Bracknell Forest Council and DIG sponsor Timothy Wheadon said:

“Residents will benefit from greater connectivity, in and out of their homes.

"Businesses will no longer be constrained because of the technology available. This will help us encourage growth, investment and development across all six local authorities and help make the region a connected Berkshire."

The DIG have partnered with Asset Market and Vodafone UK to deliver the improved wireless connectivity and implement the project.

The DCIA pilot is due to start in the spring and is expected to last for one year.