Member Article

Super-Fast Broadband for 50,000 more North East homes

A further 50,000 homes in the North East are set to benefit from super-fast broadband, BT has announced.

Homes in Hexham. Sunderland, Ryhope and Washington have been named as the latest areas to be included in BT’s £2.5 billion fibre broadband roll out. By the time the upgrades are completed in Autumn 2012, more than 400,000 homes and businesses will be connected to the new network.

This news has been welcomed in Sunderland, which is quickly establishing itself as a hub for technological and software advancements.

Julie Elliott, MP for Sunderland Central commented: “This is fantastic news for everyone associated with the City of Sunderland.

“It is particularly important for businesses as up to date technologies ensure they are able to compete with modern economies around the world.”

The Openreach scheme now aims to make super-fast fibre broadband available to two-thirds of UK homes and businesses by 2015.

The latest investment marks BT’s commitment to the region, and will allow local businesses to be competitive in the increasingly global business market.

Chris Sayers, BT’s regional director for the North East said: “ Our latest investment in the North East will propel internet users at home and at work into the 21stcentury fast lane, and marks another milestone in the development of the regions next generation communications.

“As the investment demonstrates, BT is playing its part in delivering faster broadband across the UK – but there needs to be a collective effort to ensure no part of the North East is left behind.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .