A new £17.6 million deal has been announced which will take ultrafast broadband to thousands more homes and businesses in some of Cornwall’s most remote places.

The third phase of the Superfast Cornwall programme will see the latest Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) technology, capable of delivering speeds up to one gigabit per second, rolled out to more than 7,000 premises by the end of 2019. The first locations to benefit are expected to be announced on superfastcornwall.org before the end of the year.

The new phase builds on the multi million pound first two phases of Superfast Cornwall, which have already made Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly some of the best digitally-connected rural areas in Europe. The phase three roll-out is expected to reach the first premises by spring 2018.

Latest independent research shows that the high-speed technology is delivering huge economic benefits. The first phase of Superfast Cornwall has so far provided an estimated £275 million annual boost to the economy of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, creating 3,120 jobs and safeguarding 3,430. An estimated 16,150 businesses have connected to high-speed fibre broadband with the technology helping the creation of around 3,300 start-up businesses.

Funding for this new initiative comes from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) which will provide £8.5 million; BT, £5.1 million; the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) programme, £3 million; and Cornwall Council, £1.1 million. The programme will be managed by Cornwall Development Company.

Cllr Bob Egerton, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy and culture, said: “Our digital infrastructure is going from strength to strength, I’m delighted that this latest investment from the European Regional Development Fund will further improve our position, particularly in geographically challenging areas.

"The importance of digital connectivity is far reaching. The positive impact it has had on our businesses is helping to create and safeguard jobs and is boosting our economy. We mustn’t forget also the social benefits it brings as well. People can access jobs, skills and training, as well as their friends, all of which helps to improve quality of life for our people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

Cornwall Council will announce details later this year of a grant scheme, which will help to provide faster broadband for the remaining premises not included in any planned fibre broadband programmes.