North-east businesses to benefit from broadband upgrade

Business broadband links, as well as residential internet connections, are due to be improved in the north-east of England.

According to the New Post Leader, BT's rollout of high-speed broadband – it aims to cover two-thirds of the UK by 2014 – is to be felt in the area.

Premises in Bedlington, Ashington and Blyth are among those due to be included, with the improvements in the region set to be carried out in 2012.

Councillor Roger Styring, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, said broadband is now as important to infrastructure as roads and railways.

"In an increasingly competitive and technological world, it is essential that local businesses and households have access to faster and more reliable internet connections," he stated.

The Isle of Wight County Press this week told how the town of Ventnor on the island is also to be included in the BT scheme, with 4,000 homes and businesses there set to benefit.