Pershore to get high-speed broadband

HUNDREDS of homes in Pershore will have access to high speed broadband from next year.

BT is currently rolling-out its £2.5 billion high-speed fibre broadband network to homes and businesses across the county with Pershore the latest town to benefit from the investment.

The work will see almost 4,000 new homes in the town along with Alcester and Studley upgraded in 2013.

It means more than 200,000 homes and businesses in the county will be able to connect to the fibre network.

Coun Simon Geraghty, responsible for economy and infrastructure at Worcestershire County Council, said the investment could create new jobs in the area.

"Everyone recognises the importance of super-fast broadband, not just for its contribution to the local economy and potential to create new businesses and jobs, but for every aspect of modern life," he added.

"The council’s main priority is to ensure Worcestershire is Open for Business and in the current financial climate BT’s investment is greatly welcomed.

"Today’s news is fantastic for the community of Pershore and I would urge all residents and businesses of Worcestershire to keep demanding faster broadband for their communities by visiting our website where the quick survey is available on the homepage."

John Dovey, BT’s regional director for the West Midlands, said: "Fibre broadband opens up a whole new, high speed world. This latest major investment will help the region to overcome the current economic challenges and take full advantage of the upturn when it comes.

"Digital technology is fundamental to how we live and work – and in an increasingly connected world, high-speed communications will become even more essential in the years ahead. Research suggests fibre broadband could give a £143 million boost to a typical town’s economy and create 225 new jobs and 140 new businesses within 15 years. 1

"The fibre broadband network we’re building today will underpin the local economy for many years to come – and we’re keen to go further, working with the public sector to take technology to places outside current commercial roll-out plans.

"The arrival of fibre broadband in each of these new locations will revolutionise the way people use the internet for work, education and connecting with public services."

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