Suffolk: Broadband Upgrade Starts Early

11 March 2013, 09:36 | Updated: 11 March 2013, 09:44

Work to improve internet speeds in Suffolk have got started ahead of schedule.

The early start means some properties across Suffolk should have faster internet speeds during the autumn.

The aim of the early roll out is to connect more than 1500 business and residential properties.

Engineers from Openreach, BT’s local network division, are now carrying out surveys in a number of locations and more of their new green
 fibre cabinets have been ordered.

Whilst the location of the new cabinets is still be to confirmed, they are highly likely to be on the edge of existing fibre broadband coverage
 areas and in more rural locations.

Councillor Mark Bee, Suffolk County Council’s leader and chair of the Better Broadband for Suffolk programme, said:

“Through the process of agreeing with BT how the programme will be rolled out, it became clear that there were a number of quick wins that
 we could deliver which would mean people benefit earlier than expected.

“We’ve therefore pushed ahead with the programme and I’m delighted with the outcome.

“Whilst the exact areas are still to be confirmed, they are most likely on the edge of existing fibre coverage areas and in more rural locations.

“The Better Broadband for Suffolk programme was set up to improve broadband access for everyone and this is the first, real, sign that things
 are taking shape.”

Under the agreed roll out plans, people will start to benefit from faster speeds by the end of 2013 - with the roll out completed by the
 end of 2015. By this point, Suffolk County Council say they are committed to ensuring that every property in Suffolk will have access to broadband speeds of at least 2Mbps and 85% will be able to get superfast speeds (24Mbps+).