BT has called on the public and private sectors to work together to speed up broadband coverage in Worcestershire.

John Dovey, BT’s West Midlands regional director, said the communications company was willing to consider a further major investment in super-fast broadband in the county “if we can create the right environment”.

He said the full benefits of the high-speed technology would only be achieved by a partnership between the private and public sectors.

Mr Dovey cited the success of rolling out the technology in Northern Ireland. “Like parts of Worcestershire, Northern Ireland has rural areas where the engineering challenges and costs are considerable,” he said. “But we worked together to roll-out faster broadband far more quickly and more widely than would have been possible without a partnership approach.

“Similarly, we would very much welcome the opportunity to work with organisations in Worcestershire to make this exciting technology more widely available in the county.

“We are a major investor and employer in the area and have great experience of working in partnership to create networks that are both open to others and sustainable.

“BT has already made super-fast broadband available to homes and businesses in Bromsgrove, Evesham, Fernhill Heath, Worcester city centre, Worcester St John’s and Worcester St Peter’s, with Bewdley, Droitwich, Headless Cross, Hillside, Malvern and Stourport to follow. “The roll-out in the West Midlands is due to pass 848,000 next year, but some more challenging areas, mainly rural, less populated locations, will require the public and private sectors working together. We are very willing to make a further major investment in the county if we can work with the public sector to create the right environment.”

Mike Ashton, chief executive officer of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is vital organisations work together to make faster broadband widely available in both Herefordshire and Worcestershire as quickly as possible.

“This exciting technology will play an essential role in the future success of our counties.

“Businesses and organisations of all sizes need first class communications if they are to survive and thrive in a very competitive world.”

COMMENT: PAGE 12