BT fibre broadband plans praised by Southampton council chief

A Southampton council chief has praised BT's decision to deploy fibre optic broadband to an additional 10,000 homes and businesses in the city.

The telecoms giant is set to carry out the work between now and autumn 2012, bringing the total number of properties in Hampshire with access to a super-fast connection to more than 450,000.

Responding to the news, leader of Southampton City Council Royston Smith said the move is a "huge coup" for businesses already operating in the area and those considering a move to the city, reports the Southern Daily Echo.

"Southampton is setting the standard nationally and is once again at the forefront of innovation," he remarked. "We are very pleased this will bring high-speed broadband to both businesses and residents."

In total, 27,000 premises across the rest of Hampshire have been included in BT's latest programme of fibre broadband rollouts, with the work set to benefit residents and employers in Burlesdon, Fordingbridge, Hythe and Moorhill.