BT to roll out super-fast broadband in Suffolk

Broadband users in Suffolk will be the first to experience BT's new super-fast internet connectivity as part of a trial.

The telecoms provider announced plans to install its one gigabit fibre technology in the town of Kesgrave early next year.

Later in 2011, 40 more locations will be included in the project, which the company hopes will deliver some of the fastest connection speeds anywhere in the world.

BT is committed to spending £2.5 billion on providing fibre broadband to two-thirds of the UK by 2015, in line with the coalition government's target of having the best network in Europe by that time.

Culture secretary Jeremy Hunt said BT's investment, alongside £830 million of public money already committed to the project, will help the country meet that ambition.

"A super-fast broadband network is vital to the country's economic growth and the development of our hi-tech and creative industries," he added.

The editor of consumer website broadband-help.com Rowland O'Connor recently argued high-speed internet access is "an absolute must" to ensure British businesses stay competitive.