Virgin Media bringing superfast broadband to 5,000 Teesside homes

Virgin Media is expanding its superfast broadband network to take in thousands more properties in Teesside, bringing residents speeds of up to 152Mbps.

Due to be completed by the end of the month, the rollout will see the cable company's network expanded to reach 5,000 homes in Hartlepool, Darlington, Sunderland and Stockton-on-Tees.

As well as providing householders with superfast internet access, the move will allow them to sign up for Virgin Media's TiVo next-generation cable TV service.

The communications giant's infrastructure already covers more than half of all UK homes and delivers advanced connectivity to thousands of public and private sector organisations across the country.

Tom Mockridge, Virgin Media's Chief Executive, said the rollout will help more north-east residents take full advantage of the "exciting digital future".

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham added: "By working together with residents, Virgin Media and the council, we're helping local people get faster broadband speeds and have created a model for other areas to follow when it comes to building better broadband."