Axe Valley set to join internet fast lane
BT say high speed broadband will be available for Axminster and Seaton next summer
AXMINSTER and Seaton are set to join the internet fast lane.
They are among 43 South West communities included in BT’s latest roll-out plans for its next generation broadband service, delivered over copper lines.
It will provide much faster connections from some 45,000 Devon homes and businesses by next summer.
Speeds of up to 20 megabits per second will be available – more than double the current maximum.
The superfast system will be available on an open, wholesale basis to all companies providing broadband services.
Jon Reynolds, BT’s South West regional director, said: “BT’s roll-out of faster broadband across the South West is running at a very rapid pace.
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“Earlier this month we announced plans to make super-fast fibre-based broadband available to more than a million homes and businesses in the region by the end of next year. Now we are able to confirm a further major investment in faster broadband speeds over copper lines.
“Nobody is doing more than BT to roll-out faster broadband across the South West. At a time of economic uncertainty these major improvements will provide a big boost for local businesses and offer many additional educational and entertainment opportunities for local households.”
Seaton chamber of Commerce Chairman Marcus Hartnell welcomed the announcement and said: “That is excellent news – especially from a business perspective.”
Axminster Mayor Andrew Moulding, a leading campaigner for faster broadband, said: “This is very good news but we have to remember that BT is not the only provider. We are still trying to establish the demand to encourage the providers to invest.”
Jeremy Filmer-Bennett, chief executive of the Devon and Cornwall Business Council, said: “We very much welcome this latest announcement from BT. Faster broadband is going to play a key role in the future success of the region. In an increasingly competitive and technological world it is vital that local businesses and households have access to high-speed sophisticated communications. Just like roads and railways, broadband is a vital part of the essential infrastructure of the South West.”
