Superfast broadband for Isle of Wight initiative reaches nearly 16,000 homes and businesses

Nearly 16,000 Isle of Wight homes and businesses now have access to faster fibre broadband as a result of a multi-million pound superfast broadband partnership between the council, BT and the Government. Godshill - including the model village – has become the latest area to benefit from the project.

So far, the project has made faster fibre broadband available to 15,697 homes on the Island. Local households and businesses will need to contact an internet service provider (ISP) in order to take up the high-speed service.

To mark the news that Godshill became the latest area to have faster broadband, a miniature replica broadband cabinet was put in place in the model village.

The news comes as the Government has announced the nationwide rollout of superfast broadband has now passed more than three million UK homes and businesses. The rollout is on track to reach 95 per cent of the UK by 2017 and is now reaching around 5,000 additional premises every day.

Councillor Shirley Smart, Executive member for regeneration and the economy, said: "This latest cabinet switch on means even more Isle of Wight households can access higher broadband speeds. This is the latest milestone in the rural broadband project which means we are more than three quarters of the way to achieving 99 per cent fibre connectivity on the Island.

"This doesn't only benefit private households. Many businesses, especially in rural locations, are already benefitting from the service as a lot of business is conducted online, whether this is transactions, orders or virtual meetings for example."

Dave Axam, BT’s South East regional director, added: “Today marks important milestones, both locally and nationally, for the faster broadband revolution. This exciting technology is transforming the opportunities for communities across the Isle of Wight and the UK as a whole.

“This news, coupled with BT's own separate commercial programme, means fibre broadband is available to more than 65,000 households and businesses on the Island – and the number is continuing to grow rapidly.

“Successful broadband partnerships are creating a lasting legacy, which will play a key role in the future prosperity of communities for many years to come.”

Homes and businesses can find out more information about accessing faster broadband online at www.gov.uk/gosuperfast.

NOTES TO EDITORS

A photo of Councillor Shirley Smart with John Taylor from BT’s local network business, Openreach, with the replica cabinet in the model village is available via the download link for your use. Please credit Isle of Wight Council if you use the image.