Logging on to faster browsing

ALMOST 18,000 homes in Saddleworth and Shaw will have access to super-fast internet speeds by the end of next year.

BT has announced that the two districts have been chosen for the extension of its high-speed fibre optic broadband.

It’s part of the latest phase of the company’s £2.5 billion programme that will see 7,500 homes in Saddleworth and 10,200 homes in Shaw eligible to sign up.

Web browsers in Oldham already have use of the high-speeds that allow users to download a whole music album in 30 seconds and a feature length HD movie in 10 minutes.

Houses in Middleton and Mossley are also among the areas for the extension.

Mike Blackburn, BT’s North-West regional director, said: “At a time of difficult economic conditions super-fast broadband is being rolled-out in the UK at a faster pace than anywhere else in the world.

“BT is making one of the largest private-sector investments in the North-West in recent times and this is boosting the prosperity of the region as well as transforming the internet for businesses and households.”

BT has warned that while the majority of homes in an upgraded area will be able to benefit from super-fast broadband, a minority will not initially be able to do so.