Surrey schools to receive fibre broadband

Up to 400 schools in Surrey could be set to receive fibre broadband services over the coming months as part of a new initiative.

A deal has been struck between Surrey County Council and Research Machines for the delivery of superfast broadband to schools across the district.

The pair have reportedly signed a contract worth £10.2 million, with the company aiming to deliver download speeds of between ten and 50 Mbps to the educational establishments by September this year.

Councillor Peter Martin said: "Computers and the internet are just as essential a part of education as books, pens and paper and we want to enable as many pupils as possible to take full advantage of the benefits they provide."

He added that ensuring the county is in the "internet fast lane" is integral to ensuring local schools continue to set the standard in terms of educational achievement.

Furthermore, BT announced it has added two new areas to its superfast broadband network this month - Midsomer Norton and Radstock in north-east Somerset.