Derbyshire fibre broadband rollout reaches new milestone

The Digital Derbyshire superfast fibre optic broadband rollout programme has reached a new milestone, with more than 17,000 homes and businesses in the county now able to connect to the high-speed technology.

Better broadband has recently arrived in four more areas thanks to the £27.67 million project, with premises in Leabrooks, Shirebrook, Eckington and Wirksworth now able to gain access to the superfast service, the Derby Telegraph reports.

Within the next few weeks, it is thought up to 21,000 properties in these districts will have the option to connect to fibre broadband.

Commenting on the benefits of local firms now being able to access superfast broadband, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport Joan Dixon said: "It gives businesses a competitive edge in today's marketplace and provides access to new markets with the potential of new jobs."

"Its importance to the economy of Derbyshire cannot be underestimated," she added.

Overall, more than 337,000 residential and commercial properties in the county can currently connect to fibre broadband thanks to the work of BT and its nationwide rollout programme.