Superfast broadband coming to Ironbridge earlier than planned

Superfast broadband is set to arrive in the town ahead of schedule this summer, with around 500 properties getting access to faster speeds around nine months earlier than originally planned.

The upgrade is thanks to the £5.6 million Superfast Telford project between Telford & Wrekin Council and BT.

Ironbridge is popularly known as the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, because of the methods of mass production of iron which Abraham Darby pioneered in the town.

The latest move, however, marks a big step in Ironbridge catching up with the 21st century's technological revolution, and will come as a blessed relief to people living, working and holidaying in the tourist hotspot. More homes in the area will be getting the superfast broadband in the following months.

Councillor Shaun Davies, the council's cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: "Making superfast fibre broadband available to around 950 households and businesses in Ironbridge has always been a key aim of the partnership.

"Close collaboration with other important projects going on in this sensitive area of the borough, including the upgrading of The Wharfage and Tontine Hill, has enabled us to complete the necessary planning and survey work much earlier than planned and accelerate this part of the Superfast Telford rollout."

Colin Bannon, BT's regional director for the West Midlands, said: "Our project teams are working extremely hard to ensure the majority of the engineering work is completed as quickly as possible so many people wanting to order an upgrade can start enjoying the benefits before the main holiday season gets in full swing."

"We also wanted to minimise disruption and maximise opportunities for local businesses, households and visitors at this busy time of the year."

Superfast Telford began connecting the first homes and businesses just before Christmas. About 1,200 properties are now able to access faster fibre broadband. By the end of 2017, this figure will rise to around 9,300 households and businesses, with 8,800 of them able to access 'superfast' download speeds of 24 megabits (Mbps) and above.

Combined with private investment, it means 98 per cent of homes and businesses in the borough will be able to access high-speed fibre broadband by the end of next year.

Local households opting for an upgrade will be able to order fibre broadband with download speeds of up to 80Mbps and uploads of up to 20Mbps.

For more information visit www.superfast-telford.co.uk which includes a map searchable by postcode.