BT Signs £27m BDUK Deal for Superfast Broadband in Staffordshire UK

The Staffordshire County Council (SCC) has today signed a new state aid supported £27.3 million deal with BT to help 97% of local homes and businesses gain access to a fibre optic (FTTC/P) based broadband connection by Spring 2016 (95% will get superfast speeds of 25Mbps+).

As usual the deal, which should benefit 472,000 premises, is supported be £7.44 million from SCC, another £7.44 million from the government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) office and finally £12.47 million from BT.

Bill Murphy, MD of BT’s Next Generation Access, said:

“Staffordshire led the way in pioneering creative industries, so it is now fitting that the county is spearheading this dynamic partnership that will not only build on the county’s strong traditions but also, through the development of a high-speed communications infrastructure, harness economic growth that will herald a new era of creativity and prosperity for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.”

Ed Vaizey, Communications Minister, said:

“Today’s signing is fantastic news for the people and businesses of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and will help deliver all the benefits of superfast broadband to 95 per cent of premises. The UK already does more business online than any other European country, and this project will provide a tremendous boost to the local economy.”

Under the current plan BTOpenreach will begin work (surveying) “straight away” and the first communities in Staffordshire are expected to benefit from early 2014.