RURAL homes and businesses are set to benefit after BT was announced as the preferred bidder to improve broadband in Gloucestershire.
The telecommunications giant has been chosen to deliver an ambitious high speed fibre broadband network across the county and also in neighbouring Herefordshire.
The aim of the contract is to improve internet access in isolated areas.
Councillor Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: "Our aim has always been to improve the broadband infrastructure in the rural areas of the county, to enable Gloucestershire to grow.
"The announcement today will help us to really start to make a difference for business and residents in the county, wherever they may be."
It is hoped the new deal will create new opportunities for businesses, creating new jobs and strengthening rural communities.
Gloucestershire County Council and Herefordshire Council have both invested heavily in the project with their funding matched by £18.17m from central government.
The roll out of the new network will be completed by the end of 2016.
The telecommunications giant has been chosen to deliver an ambitious high speed fibre broadband network across the county and also in neighbouring Herefordshire.
The aim of the contract is to improve internet access in isolated areas.
Councillor Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: "Our aim has always been to improve the broadband infrastructure in the rural areas of the county, to enable Gloucestershire to grow.
"The announcement today will help us to really start to make a difference for business and residents in the county, wherever they may be."
It is hoped the new deal will create new opportunities for businesses, creating new jobs and strengthening rural communities.
Gloucestershire County Council and Herefordshire Council have both invested heavily in the project with their funding matched by £18.17m from central government.
The roll out of the new network will be completed by the end of 2016.