FASTER broadband has been rolled out to six more communities in the North-East, BT announced today (Wednesday, December 19).

More than 50,000 homes across Seaton Delaval, Morpeth, Rowlands Gill, Washington, Ferryhill and Cockfield are now receiving the latest service, which is delivered over copper lines.

The BT investment will make available download speeds of up to 20 megabits per second (Mbps) – more than double the fastest speed previously available from the company.

The new service is now accessible to around 830,000 premises across the region.

This takes the number of homes and businesses across the North-East able to access the faster broadband to around 91 per cent.

James Ramsbotham, CEO of the North-East Chamber of Commerce, said: “This investment is a further step forward for the North-East region.

It’s good to see more communities benefiting from the roll-out of faster broadband, through the upgrade of BT’s copper network.

“This technology will create new opportunities, giving our businesses a competitive edge as well as helping to open new doors for people of every age and background.”

Farooq Hakim, BT’s regional director for the North-East, said: “Increasingly, broadband is an essential part of everyday life, whether you’re Christmas shopping online, sharing photographs and videos with the family, working in an office or as a home worker, improving your education or just wanting to download a film or programme online.

“It has the power to transform every aspect of our lives and is a vital part of ensuring the future prosperity of communities across our region.”