BT fibre optic broadband welcomed by Cornish residents and firms

Businesses and residents in Cornwall have welcomed the launch of BT's fibre optic broadband service in the south-west county.

The technology is now available to more than 1,000 properties in Chacewater and Chiverton Cross, with plans to connect 14,000 more premises in the communities of St Agnes, St Day, Portreath, Devoran, Leedstown, Stenalees and Par tomorrow (March 31st 2011).

One of the first customers to be connected was Michael Owen, landlord of the Britannia Hotel in Chacewater.

He said the pub has been "transformed" since the network upgrade was carried out, adding: "Because we offer free Wi-Fi to our customers, people can experience super-fast broadband first hand while enjoying a pint of real ale."

Andy Farnell, a Cornwall Council social worker, added the service has made working from home much more viable.

BT's chief executive Ian Livingston has described the Cornish fibre broadband rollout programme as a "very significant project" that highlights what can be done when people work with the telecoms giant.