Fibre broadband rolled out to 2,700 Rutland properties

The Digital Rutland project has brought fibre optic broadband connectivity to more than 2,700 properties across England's smallest historic county.

Superfast broadband is now available to just over half of homes and businesses in Uppingham, while the majority of properties in Edith Weston, Ketton, Stretton and Ridlington have also been upgraded.

These communities follow hot on the heels of North Luffenham, which was the first community to be connected under the Digital Rutland programme.

By early September, the project is expected to bring fibre broadband within reach of as many as 9,000 households across the county.

A combination of Digital Rutland and BT's commercial rollout will see the bulk of Rutland properties gain access to the service over the next few months.

Terry King, Deputy Leader of Rutland County Council, commented: "Early feedback from North Luffenham - the location of the first cabinet to be switched on in Rutland - is positive, with many homeworkers among the first to place an order for superfast broadband."