High-speed fibre broadband now available to more than 70,000 homes and businesses – thanks to Connecting Cheshire

 

More than 70,000 homes and businesses have now been given access to high-speed broadband – thanks to the Connecting Cheshire project.

The partnership between four Cheshire councils including Cheshire East and BT will provide fibre broadband to residents and businesses with speeds of up to 300mbps*. 

When added to the commercial rollout by BT and other broadband providers, there will be 96 per cent coverage by the end of 2015.

This month, the first cabinet from the Church Minshull exchange was completed and is now accepting orders, providing fibre broadband to around 200 premises in the village. Further coverage in this area is expected to be completed over the summer.

Other recent areas now benefiting from superfast speeds include Malpas, Elton, Farndon, Lymm, Pickmere and Congleton.

One year on from the launch of the ‘Fibre Guy’s’ marketing campaign, Connecting Cheshire has been recognised as one of the best projects in the country in regards to take-up and demand stimulation.

Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council and Ward member for Bunbury, which includes Church Minshull, said: “This is more good news for residents and local businesses.

“We are well on our way to connecting 80,000 premises across Cheshire. The roll-out of superfast broadband is going to benefit rural communities significantly.

“It is great to see so many people have taken up a faster broadband. We urge everyone to check their availability and upgrade to superfast broadband as it offers many fantastic benefits for your home or business.”

Mike Blackburn, BT regional director for the North West, said: “Websites that bring customers to Cheshire businesses, entertainment in the home, wi-fi on the move, time-saving financial and admin systems are all better, faster and more efficient with the introduction of high-speed fibre broadband.  Openreach engineers working closely with Cheshire councils have made a future with more connected communities a reality.”

Terry Golding, an experienced professional voiceover for TV, radio and online, recently upgraded to superfast broadband in Malpas at his home studio thanks to Connecting Cheshire. He is delighted with the difference it has made to his business.

He said: “My broadband speed is now 10 times faster and the ability for me to finally utilise specialist broadcast IP-to-IP software means I am now able to work with many, many new clients in real time around the globe, from Chester to Canberra.”

To check availability visit the Connecting Cheshire website and enter either a postcode or telephone number – http://www.connectingcheshire.org.uk/check-availability