York could get universal fibre broadband access

York council chiefs have unveiled plans for the rollout of a city-wide fibre optic broadband network.

The proposals, which come shortly after the deployment of a dark fibre optic network connecting more than 100 public buildings, would see all 90,000 homes in the city hooked up to super-fast broadband, reports the York Press.

Local businesses would also be able to benefit from next-generation access in a move that could encourage enterprises to move their operations to York, head of ICT at the council Roy Grant commented.

The fibre broadband network will offer customers speeds that are up to ten times faster than the download capabilities currently available to residents in the city.

It is also expected to help the local science and technology sectors, which employ more than 35,000 people across North Yorkshire.

Mr Grant said: "This new network has the potential to help us reach our broadband coverage target set by the government and we estimate that we will achieve 95 per cent of this by the end of 2014-15."