Cameron says fibre broadband rollout 'vital for driving investment'

Friday, March 8th 2013 by Paul France

The Prime Minister has said that fibre optic broadband investment will help position the UK as a global leader.

David Cameron has welcomed BT's announcement of further broadband infrastructure investment and said partnerships between the government and business are "vital" to help the UK thrive in a global race.

The Prime Minister said at the moment, around 100,000 homes and businesses across the country are gaining access to super-fast broadband each week.

He was speaking after BT launched a new recruitment drive with the aim of creating a further 1,000 new jobs at the telecoms provider. BT chief executive Ian Livingston said the company's work alongside Broadband Delivery UK has positioned Britain as an international leader.

"Faster broadband will help to fuel the UK economy and the jobs we are creating are part of that," Mr Livingston added.

BT explained that the expanded workforce will help it meet demand for fibre optic broadband in the areas of the country that are still waiting for super-fast internet speeds.