Member Article

Bill Murphy on BT’s £2.5 billion investment in the UK, and how super fast broadband will change the world

The view from BT’s new building in South Tyneside seems to neatly sum up the regions manufacturing heritage. Factories and chimneys line the Tyne, whilst container ships glide effortlessly out towards the coast. And if BT’s plans are anything to go by, this industrial prowess could receive some 21st century protection in the form of super fast broadband.

Despite his New York drawl, Bill Murphy’s commitment to the UK is clear. He has been employed by BT for the past 20 years, working his way up to the current position of managing director of Next Generation Access.

“Over the next 2 years, BT are investing £2.5 billion on fibre optic cables in the UK,” explains Bill. “ No one is investing as much as we are in getting connectivity right in the UK, if not in the world.”

“Alongside the government investment of £530 million, we are making a huge investment in public sector partnerships across the UK, and we are now working hard to get it right in the North East.”

168,500 premises in the North East now have access to super fast BT broadband, and while this now means householders no longer have to wait hours for the screen to load, Bill hopes it will also have positive knock-on effects on business in the region

“As soon as someone is connected, you can see the correlation between speed and productivity,” Bill continues. “ Its not just getting online faster, you find people who couldn’t hire with slower speeds, people looking to get into e-commerce – it gives people far more options than first generation internet users.

“If you’re looking to compete locally, nationally and internationally, you’re going to miss out on customers, and miss out on ways of making money.

The new building in South Shields is a massive coup for the area, and after signing a 14 year lease on it, BT are in the building for the long term. The have also created 280 jobs - a much needed boost for the area

“The majority of jobs will be for local people, within which we will also be looking at apprenticeships and graduates,” Bill concludes. “ As one of the anchor tenants, hopefully we will be able to have a ripple effect, attracting more businesses to riverside plots to help regenerate the area.

“As the business comes into operation, we will strive to ensure it’s a success for the regional economy.”

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