South Yorkshire high-speed roll-out to be led by top executives

The roll-out of high-speed broadband networks in South Yorkshire is to be led by two former executives with extensive telecoms experience, reports the Sheffield Star.

Maureen Donnelly has been appointed chairwoman of Digital Region and her experience includes time spent as head of UK market planning for BT, while Improved Potential director David Holt joins the organisation as chief executive.

Both executives will manage a £90 million budget to oversee the roll-out of high-speed broadband in the region and give people more efficient use of VoIP hardware as part of this.

Ms Donnelly told the paper: "In these difficult times the project will act as a catalyst for existing and planned investments, and create a synergy with the broader regional development strategy."

Mr Holt added that innovation will be a key element of the initiative and businesses in the region will benefit from the solutions being put forward.

Many of the UK's major internet service providers are under pressure to help businesses gain a more competitive edge by investing in next-generation technology.