More local people will be able to get online in broadband "not spots" thanks to a cash injection of £498,000 secured by Metro Mayor Dan Norris who leads the West of England Combined Authority.

The cash from Government, together with a £250,000 investment from the Combined Authority, will help to identify how 5G can be used to rapidly improve mobile connectivity across the West of England, and get everyone working closely together to update digital infrastructure.

With more people working, studying, shopping and playing online, better connectivity is more important than ever.

On average we each spend over three and a half hours online every day. More than a quarter of retail sales are online, and three-quarters of people use online banking. But the vital digital infrastructure has not kept pace, especially in some more rural areas.

West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: "This investment will help more local people get the internet access they need and deserve. The West of England Combined Authority which I lead will now accelerate the roll-out of wireless networks so more people can get online more easily. This should especially help people living and working in our more rural communities. At the moment some of the most beautiful places to live are let down by poor access to the online world which is vital for success today. This is a great step forward to fix this."

· Total project funding amount: £748,000 (£498,000 from DCMS, £250,000 from the West of England Combined Authority) · The project will take place across the West of England (Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire). · Partners: o West of England Combined Authority (lead partner) o Bath & North East Somerset Council o Bristol City Council o North Somerset Council o South Gloucestershire Council o Sitenna o Connected Places Catapult o Three o BT Wholesale o Cellnex Connectivity Solutions Limited