CDC says fibre broadband will give Cornwall business appeal

Fibre optic broadband will make Cornwall a much more attractive location for business investment, according to the Cornwall Development Company (CDC).

Nigel Ashcroft, director of the Superfast Cornwall project at the CDC, said the technology will also encourage more overseas traders to develop bases in the south-west county.

"With some of the best broadband connectivity in the world and Cornwall's fabulous living and working environment, the case for inward investment grows ever more compelling," he commented.

Mr Ashcroft said fibre broadband will offer additional advantages to the area, including the ability for more residents to work from home by making use of virtual private networks.

This, in turn, can lead to greater productivity, the CDC chief explained.

A joint project between BT, the EU and the CDC, Superfast Cornwall aims to roll out fibre optic broadband across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, backed by £132 million of public and private sector investment.

Last month, the programme celebrated the acquisition of its 10,000th customer - Truro-based electronics manufacturer ARCOL UK.