UK's Lancashire gets super-fast broadband

broadband ISP services by the end of 2014 (subject to the timing of State Aid approval) after both parties agreed the new £62.5 million project, ISP Review reports.

The move, which follows only days after the rival B4RN (Broadband 4 Rural North) project began work to connect thousands of rural homes in north Lancashire UK via its ambitious 1Gbps-capable fibre-optic network, is the latest in a long string of wins for BT. The operator has also recently won key Broadband Delivery UK contracts for the Highlands and Islands (Scotland), Wales and Rutland (England).

According to BT, the initiative will ensure that Lancashire is one of the best-connected counties in the UK.

It will also boost the local economy by creating around 2 500 jobs and protecting more than 1 200 jobs over the next few years. The county's enterprise zones are a key priority, as fibre broadband will help local businesses to become more competitive.

BT is flinging £30 million at the rollout project, while the local authority will get £10.8 million from the BDUK funds, The Register says.

A further, yet-to-be-confirmed £16.5 million is expected to be allocated from the European Regional Development Fund, and £5.2 million will be divvied up from local councils in the area - Lancashire County Council has to cough up £4.7 million of that.