BT Openreach to roll out superfast broadband upgrade in Chester

Oct 13 2011 by Mark Dowling, Chester Chronicle

SUPER-FAST broadband which will make internet connections in Chester homes and businesses up to 40 times faster is being rolled out this month.

BT Openreach is completing an upgrade to broadband connections within the Chester South area, which covers Lache, Handbridge, Saltney and Chester Business Park.

The Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) scheme will deliver speeds of up to 110Megabits per second (Mbps) by the end of October, and up to 300Mbps by next spring, making it the fastest broadband in the UK.

Handbridge.com webmaster and Handbridge resident John Murray said: “I am very pleased this exchange has been selected.

“Current Chester South home users are achieving an average of about 6Mbps, but the difference with the new FTTP system is the speed doesn’t drop along the cable.

“This means for people in Great Boughton, Saltney, the business park and rural areas, where the connection speed can drop to 2Mbps, this new scheme will really benefit them and it will be about 40 times faster.

“It will mean everyone in a family home can use the internet through all their appliances at the same time.”

Paul Maddocks, group managing director of Saltney-based business Parkway Telecom, said the news will be a big bonus to businesses and consumers.

He said: “Along with fellow Saltney companies, we have championed the need for improved broadband via the CH4 Business Club, a local initiative established by Flintshire County Council.

“We are delighted to have played our part in highlighting the need for improved broadband speeds and look forward to the anticipated benefits.”

Mike Blackburn, BT’s regional director for the North West, said: “This is a significant step in the UK’s broadband journey and it is great to see the North West playing a leading role in the development of this exciting technology.”

Chester MP Stephen Mosley said: “High speed broadband is a vital element of modern economic development and I have been eager to lobby both Government Ministers and company executives to ensure Chester is at the forefront of any new technological rollouts.

“With the infrastructure in place in southern areas of the city, I’m hopeful the rest of Chester won’t be too far behind in getting an upgrade.”