BT says fibre broadband benefits already felt in Cornwall

Fibre optic broadband is already providing economic benefits to residents and businesses in Cornwall, according to BT's managing director for next-generation broadband Bill Murphy.

Speaking as part of a fact-finding trip to the county, Mr Murphy insisted Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are leading Europe with the "pioneering" Superfast Cornwall initiative.

Delivered by BT with investment from the telecoms giant and the EU, the project aims to make fibre broadband available to at least 80 per cent of local properties by the end of 2014.

"Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have shown tremendous foresight and vision by developing the Superfast Cornwall partnership well ahead of almost all other areas in the UK and across Europe," said Mr Murphy.

He claimed representatives from communities across the UK have headed to the county to find out more about Cornwall Council's "innovative" partnership with BT.

The scheme is "blazing a trail" that other regions are eager to follow, the BT chief added.