Surrey to become best connected county in the country (From This Is Local London)

Surrey to become best connected county in the country with superfast broadband

5:20am Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News By Hardeep Matharu

Surrey is to become the best connected county in the country with a new high-speed internet service which could boost its economy by almost £30m a year.

Surrey County Council (SCC) has signed a contract with BT to create a county-wide superfast broadband service to help firms to do business online and make sure communities are technologically up-to-date. 

It estimates the high-speed internet service will boost the county’s economy by £28m annually.

The £33m contract with BT should ensure SCC can achieve its aim of providing superfast broadband for up to 20 per cent of businesses and homes - more than 90,000 premises - not included in the commercial roll-out nationally.

Surrey’s deputy leader Peter Martin said: "This will be a great boost for business, from start-ups in small offices through to multi-nationals.

"It can be crucial to the continued success of Surrey businesses and a huge attraction to those looking to move in.

"Fast and reliable web access is also essential to our daily lives and by stepping in we’re making sure no Surrey communities are disadvantaged."