Herefordshire Council plans for county-wide broadband

The aim is to have 90% of homes and businesses in the county linked up to fast broadband by 2015

Plans for a county roll-out of broadband have been outlined by Herefordshire Council.

The council said fast broadband had the potential to support the economic competitiveness of local businesses and enhance services.

The aim is to have 90% of homes and business in the county linked up to fast broadband by 2015.

The council wants 50% of premises to be able to access broadband speeds of 100Mbps by 2020.

Councillor Roger Phillips, leader of Herefordshire Council, said: "Though we are focusing on making sure the network is in place, the most important thing is the impact superfast broadband can have on our businesses and communities.

"The potential is massive for the county and we want to make sure people and businesses make the most of the technologies that are going to be available."

The council plans to focus a pilot scheme on the south of the county but with the intention of a quick roll-out to the rest of Herefordshire after the pilot is completed.