BT's Devonport fibre broadband rollout hailed by Plymouth council

Plymouth City Council has welcomed BT's decision to bring fibre optic broadband to almost 12,000 local homes and businesses.

The telecoms giant has rolled out super-fast broadband to the first properties in Devonport, with thousands more set to be connected over the coming weeks.

As a result of this development, the number of Plymouth premises with access to the technology will climb to around 76,000, while the communities of Plymstock and St Budeaux are also in line to be upgraded next year.

Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, said high-speed broadband is particularly crucial for businesses, as it allows them to reach new customers.

"It is also important for potential investors interested in relocating here," he added.

"Letting them know they have access to the latest communications technology to help businesses run more efficiently, has to be good for Devonport."

BT's fibre optic broadband network currently reaches more than 12 million properties and is set to pass two-thirds of the UK during spring 2014.