Last updated at 14:22, Tuesday, 20 March 2012

SUPERFAST broadband is on its way to Barrow, a telecommunications company has revealed.

• Our view: Superfast internet move well overdue

BARROW is set to get super-fast broadband.

Communications giant BT has today announced plans to upgrade the network which supplies internet connections to more than 15,400 homes and business premises across Barrow.

The high-speed technology will become available by Spring 2013 in the latest phase of BT’s £2.5billion roll-out of super-fast fibre broadband in the UK.

The upgrade will boost download speeds by more than seven times the maximum speed in Barrow, to 300Mbps.

With super-fast broadband, music fans will be able to download a single track in two seconds while an entire album will take just 30 seconds.

Mike Blackburn, BT’s North West regional director, said the upgrade would bring a major economic boost to Barrow.

He said: “This is a further major BT investment for Cumbria. Our roll-out of fibre broadband is going from strength-to-strength. In these tough economic times, this exciting technology will give a big boost to local businesses and households. Sophisticated communications are the lifeblood of any successful community.

“Super-fast broadband can give our businesses a significant competitive edge, helping them save money and improve their services at the same time.

“Fibre broadband also has the potential to change the face of public services and revolutionise entertainment at home. Local families will be able to experience entertainment, shopping and a myriad of services delivered the super-fast way.”

Barrow and Furness MP, John Woodcock, said: “It is very welcome that BT has listened to businesses and residents campaigning for faster broadband in the Barrow area.

“This is an important step forward in the drive to secure super-fast broadband across Cumbria so firms can compete and grow and homes can enjoy modern services.”

Harry Knowles, chief executive of Furness Enterprise, said: “We are absolutely delighted that super-fast broadband is coming to this area. We have worked with BT over many years and are very appreciative that they are continuing to invest to realise the great opportunitieshere.”

Today’s announcement is the latest in a series of super-fast broadband upgrades by BT. Improvements have already been undertaken in Carlisle, Kendal, Penrith and Wigton with Appleby, Dalton, Egremont, Millom, Whitehaven and Workington to follow. 

First published at 13:38, Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk