Computer

A PROGRAMME providing superfast broadband for South West areas including North Somerset has opened for companies to bid to provide the service.

Connecting Devon and Somerset aims to provide at least 85 per cent of all homes in the areas covered by the six local authorities taking part in the scheme with superfast broadband.

It will see homes provided with speeds of 24Mbps by 2015, with all households reaping the benefits of fibreoptic technology by 2020.

The speeds would be fast enough to stream high definition TV instantly without lag, or download albums in seconds.

BT and Fujitsu are the two companies the scheme has invited to submit tenders to win the contract.

The scheme has secured £32million of funding from Government agency Broadband Delivery UK and both Somerset County Council and Devon County Council will be putting in up to £10 million each.

Further funding from Bath and North East Somerset Council which joined the scheme in February has brought the total close to £53million, with even more investment expected from the winning bidder.

For more information go to www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk