British Telecom (BT) has announced that nine East Sussex exchanges areas are being included in the latest phase of its £2.5 billion superfast broadband programme: Baldslow, Bexhill, Hailsham, Hampden Park, Lewes, Newhaven, Pevensey, Polegate and Seaford.
These latest upgrades are due to be completed by Autumn 2012.
Councillor Peter Jones, Leader of East Sussex County Council, said: "This is absolutely brilliant news for East Sussex. High speed broadband is a top priority for us – it has real benefits for householders, provides businesses with competitive advantage and will give a long-term boost to our economy.
"We have been working hard with our partners to raise the profile of East Sussex and we're delighted BT has recognised this. We look forward to working with them to continue rolling out superfast broadband in the future so that all our communities can take advantage of the very latest technology."
In June, BT said 61,000 homes and businesses in Eastbourne and Hastings would get superfast broadband in 2012. Currently only around 3% of the county has access to high speed broadband, making it one of the poorest served areas in the country.
Broadband is described as the fourth utility, an essential requirement for modern living. We recognise the importance of access to digital services and the expected benefits include:
- economic growth
- the retention and growth of small businesses
- modernising and cost-effectively delivering public services online
- raising skill and achievement levels
- avoiding a digital divide
- retaining and growing employment.
Find our what we and our partners are doing to speed up the rollout of superfast broadband across the county:
Further information
BT expects to make superfast broadband available to two-thirds of UK homes and businesses by the end of 2015.
Reference:
PR 3339
Contact the press team
East Sussex County Council