BT chief says fibre broadband can open up new online world

Fibre optic broadband has the potential to unlock a "new world" for web users, BT's regional director for the north-east Farooq Hakim has said.

The telecoms giant is currently extending its super-fast broadband coverage in Sunderland, with more than 59,000 homes and businesses set to be connected in the coming weeks.

Sunderland North, Ryhope and Washington are among the communities to benefit from the deployment, while Hetton-le-Hole, East Herrington and Houghton-le-Spring have already been upgraded.

According to Mr Hakim, internet users will find that fibre optic broadband will speed up their online activity, from updating social media sites to streaming videos.

"It's great for education, shopping, entertainment [and] the social networking we now carry out routinely online, and it also offers huge benefits for businesses and public services," he added.

More than 12 million properties across the UK are currently reached by BT's fibre broadband network, with coverage set to reach around 19 million during spring 2014.