BT and SEGRO to Help 450 Businesses Get Superfast Broadband in Slough

BT and property development firm SEGRO have teamed up to help 450 companies on the Slough Trading Estate in Berkshire (England) gain access to their up to 80Mbps capable “fibre broadband” FTTC network through private funding.

Apparently work on the project has already begun and 14 new FTTC street cabinets should be installed in time for the summer 2014. It’s worth pointing out 45,000 homes and businesses already have access to the service in Slough (around 94% of total premises in the area).

Peter Cowen, BTs Partnership Director for the South East, said:

“We’re pleased to announce this deal as part of our continuing commitment to bring fibre broadband to as many small businesses as possible, as swiftly as possible. SEGRO have shown tremendous foresight, vision and commitment by developing this partnership to bring the technology to their stable of businesses. Without such a partnership approach this investment would not have been commercial viable.

Fast and sophisticated connections are the cornerstone of a successful business community. They provide a platform for innovation and jobs, whilst recent research has also shown they can help businesses to further boost sales and save money. We hope to develop many more partnerships with business parks like this, so that other small businesses across the UK can benefit in the same way.”

Gareth Osborn, SEGRO’s Business Unit Director, added:

“It’s fantastic news that BT is bringing super-fast broadband to our Enterprise Quarter. The Slough Trading Estate is already home to a huge number of small companies and start-ups, and faster, reliable broadband will make it even easier for ambitious businesses to make the most of the internet and all the opportunities super-fast connectivity brings.

We believe we have not only the largest, but the most vibrant and innovative business locations in Europe with the very best talent, and this added boost to broadband speeds will be a welcome addition for our small enterprises. We believe it will reflect positively on the wider Thames Valley regional economy too.”

Sadly there’s no mention of how much the development will cost or how the funding will be split.