DCMS announced a £100m fund for investment in ultrafast (80-100 Mbps) broadband and wireless connectivity. Cities were invited to bid for this funding. GLA policy officers developed a high level strategic response to the initial 13th Feb 2012 deadline. On the basis of this London was awarded between £10-25m. Expert support is now urgently required to develop the full bid with practical delivery details for 3rd August deadline to ensure we receive the maximum allocation. DCSM feedback was that London must commit a ‘’project management team in order to do the considerable preparatory work that will be required prior to the Olympics’’. DCMS have advised all cities to seek expert input. Critical priorities for the work now are: - Securing a 25% UBF (Urban Broadband Fund), 25% LA/GLA and 50% private sector funding split – turning what was an initial £25m project into a £80m + project - and embedding this investment as part of a longer term infrastructure strategy for London that will secure London’s world city status - Addressing planning and other delivery challenges that come with a congested and high density capital city - Leading on a full and involved state aid analysis and, if necessary, notification process - Linking this investment to a demand stimulation programme and a detailed economic growth plan for London This is a highly ambitious and highly risky project that requires expert input. This expertise must be procured to deliver on the extremely tight timeframe set by DCMS. The investment programme must be delivered by March 2015 – it is therefore critical we get the initial strategy right for London.