By Victoria Brenan

Last updated at 14:27, Wednesday, 26 September 2012

Maryport is on track for faster broadband after BT announced it was next in line to be connected to their fibre broadband network.

John Grainger

The town is scheduled to be upgraded next year as part of a £2.5 billion plan to bring high speed broadband to nearly 6,000 homes and businesses in Cumbria.

The technology is already available in Carlisle and Penrith.

John Grainger, managing director of Invest in Cumbria, said it was critical for business and commerce in Cumbria’s major towns to take advantage of the high speed broadband.

“The announcement from BT further reinforces their commitment to superfast broadband in Cumbria,” he said.

“This latest development is much welcomed and will allow our firms to compete in the difficult economic climate, while homes and communities can have greater access to faster speeds and bandwidth.”

Mike Blackburn, BT’s regional director for the north west, said the latest investment would help Cumbria overcome the current economic challenges.

“Digital technology is fundamental to how we live and work – and in an increasingly connected world, high-speed communications will become even more essential in the years ahead,” he added.

“Research suggests fibre broadband could give a £143m boost to a typical town’s economy and create 225 new jobs and 140 new businesses within 15 years.

“The fibre broadband network we’re building today will underpin the local economy for many years to come – and we’re looking forward to working with Cumbria County Council and other stakeholders to take technology to places outside current commercial roll-out plans.”

For more information on BT Openreach’s fibre broadband programme see www.superfastopenreach.co.uk

First published at 11:30, Wednesday, 26 September 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk