SUPERFAST fibre broadband units have been going live in Chard and Crewkerne connecting internet users more quickly and efficiently.

Connecting Devon and Somerset has announced it has achieved a major milestone in its rollout of superfast fibre broadband.

More than 100,000 homes and businesses in the two counties now have access to fibre broadband as a result of the partnership.

The news comes as the Government announced last week that the nationwide rollout of superfast broadband has now reached more than two million homes and businesses.

Around 12,500 orders have already been placed since the beginning of this year and demand continues to grow as more and more local people opt for the sophisticated fibre technology.

Engineers have installed more than 78,000 km of underground optical fibres connecting 456 new fibre broadband street cabinets which are now 'live'. A further 224 fibre cabinets have also been installed and are just waiting for final works to be completed.

Councillor David Hall, deputy leader of Somerset County Council, added: “Reaching this many people with fibre is wonderful news for Devon and Somerset.

“It puts us on track to reach our 90% superfast goal by the end of 2016 and with the further funding announced recently, Connecting Devon and Somerset is well on track to reach our goal of 100 per cent superfast broadband by 2020.

“With the announcement that two million people nationwide are now able to connect to fibre broadband as a result of the Government's broadband programme, we can clearly see the UK moving ahead of many of our European neighbours.”

More information on Connecting Devon and Somerset can be found at the website: www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk.