Internet speeds improve

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BROADBAND speeds for businesses in homes in Inkberrow have more than doubled following the latest upgrade of the network by BT.

More than 1,600 properties in the area now have access to download speeds of up to 20megabits per second (Mbps). The new services is available on an open, wholesale basis to allow other companies providing broadband to take advantage of the work.

It is part of BT’s upgrade of the copper network which is on top of a £2.5billion scheme to roll-out fibre optic based broadband to about two thirds of the UK by the end of 2014.

Redditch has already been upgraded with the scheme set to be rolled-out to Wythall in the next few months.

Mike Ashton, chief executive of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the investment.

“The expansion of improved communications services is key to the success and livelihood of our communities, especially in rural counties like Herefordshire and Worcestershire.”

John Dovey, BT’s West Midlands regional director, added: “This is an important step forward for Worcestershire. In these challenging economic times, faster broadband can help businesses become more competitive, find new customers and work more flexibly as well as greatly improving the online services available to families, homeworkers and other internet users.”