Leeds City Council secures 40m ultrafast internet boost for 80,000 homes and businees

Leeds City Council Leader Judith Blake today joined forces with Virgin Media to launch a £40 million investment from the internet provider to boost ultrafast internet connectivity.

Middleton first area in Leeds to receive ultrafast internet boost

11,000 homes in Middleton are the first in Leeds to benefit from an ultrafast broadband connection, at least twice as fast as the fastest speeds available from BT, TalkTalk and Sky.

Middleton residents can now start to switch to the ultrafast broadband speeds available from Virgin Media as the network build there is completed.

Virgin Media to connect where demand strongest: simply sign up online at cablemystreet'

80,000 consumers and small businesses across Leeds and the surrounding area can also benefit from first time access to ultrafast internet connectivity. Virgin Media is cabling new areas across the region based on the demand from people registering at virginmedia.com/cablemystreet.

Today's announcement covers premises in the LS postcode which includes Leeds City, suburbs and surrounding communities. Virgin Media is also connecting more premises in the region prioritised according to demand from consumers and businesses.

As well as providing ultrafast broadband to consumers, this investment will also support businesses in Leeds. Virgin Media Business has over 700 business customers in the area with the majority of those being SMEs. It is also the primary connectivity provider to Yorkshire and Humberside's Public Services Network which, with Leeds City Council, is a driving force in helping to deliver public services to 5.5m people across the region.

Leader of Leeds City Council Judith Blake said: "I am delighted that we have secured this investment for the residents of Leeds. Access to high speed broadband is the cornerstone of a thriving local economy helping residents connect and businesses to grow.

Tom Mockridge, Virgin Media Chief Executive Officer, said: Local authorities have an important role in getting ultrafast broadband to more people, more quickly. Virgin Media is investing £3bn to improve the UK's digital infrastructure. We need more local authorities, like Leeds City Council, to work with us to cut the red tape and secure investment for their residents.

LINK:	http://about.virginmedia.com/press-release/9475/leeds-city-council-sec...
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