Thousands in Wolverhampton and Willenhall to get fast broadband
An extra 21,000 homes and businesses in Wolverhampton and Willenhall are to get high-speed fibre broadband in the next few weeks. It is a result of BT's £2.5 billion rollout of its improved network.
A study has shown home buyers now rank fast internet connection access higher than off-street parking and local shops in their choice of where to live. High speed internet can also add up to five per cent to the value of a home according to the broadbandchoices.co.uk study.
John Dovey, BT's regional director for the West Midlands, said: "BT's fibre network is expanding rapidly across the region bringing a boost for local economies wherever it goes.
"Research suggests that within 15 years fibre broadband could bolster the economy of a typical town by £143m and create 225 new jobs, 140 new start-up businesses and 1,000 more home workers."
Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council's cabinet member for economic regeneration and prosperity, said it was excellent news for residents and businesses.
"High speed digital connectivity will provide a host of benefits to people who surf the internet in their homes," he said. "It is also a major boost for businesses for the way they offer services to their customers."
BT engineers are in the process of completing the installation in Wolverhampton and Willenhall before people can subscribe.
