BT boosts Norfolk fibre broadband coverage

BT has rolled out its fibre optic broadband service to more Norfolk communities.

Norwich Thorpe, Norwich West, Dereham, Gorleston, Caister on Sea and Thetford are the latest locations in the county to gain access to the technology, with more than 63,000 homes and businesses set to be upgraded over the coming weeks.

Recent research from Regeneris Consulting showed BT's fibre broadband deployments will boost the economy of a typical town by £143 million over the next 15 years.

The service is also expected to create 225 new jobs in the average town and allow 1,000 more people to work from home.

Dave Hughes, regional director for the east of England at BT, said: "The advent of fibre broadband in these areas is a massive fillip for businesses and households.

"It will enrich people's lives and bring a much-needed boost to businesses in these economically challenging times."

The announcement comes shortly after BT revealed that super-fast broadband will be rolled out to another 8,500 Norfolk properties by spring 2013.