High-speed broadband coming fast
8:40am Friday 18th January 2013 in News
HIGH-SPEED fibre-optic broadband is now available to BT customers in Westhoughton.
Telecoms engineers have started work laying cables to more than 8,300 homes and businesses in the town, which will take place over the next few weeks.
Westhoughton follows Astley Bridge, which already has access to fibre-optic broadband, while Daubhill and Horwich are scheduled to follow later.
BT regional director Mike Blackburn said: “BT’s fibre network is expanding rapidly across the region bringing a boost for local economies wherever it goes.
“Research suggests that within 15 years fibre broadband could bolster the economy of a typical town by £143 million and create 225 new jobs, 140 new start-up businesses and 1,000 more homeworkers.”
More than two million homes and businesses across the North West already have or are earmarked for fibre broadband as a result of BT’s £2.5 billion installation programme, and more than 13 million homes and businesses have access across the UK.
The firm hopes to make the service available to two thirds of premises in the UK — about 19 million homes and businesses — by spring 2014.
Bolton West MP Julie Hilling said: “This is a significant step for Westhoughton. High-speed digital connectivity is a defining factor in our long-term success.
“At a time when our local economy needs a much-needed boost, important developments, such as BT’s investment in super-fast broadband, offer us the potential to create new opportunities, services and growth.”
Virgin, the other fibre-optic broadband provider, is already available in some parts of Bolton.
High-speed fibre-optic broadband enables a user to simultaneously download a movie, watch a TV replay service, surf the internet and play games online.
A whole album can be downloaded in less than 30 seconds and a feature-length HD movie in less than 10 minutes.
