Leeds' Schools to Receive Superfast Broadband 

BT to roll out super fast fibre broadband to all Leeds schools, hospitals and council offices following £20million investment.

12:58 13 March 2020

All schools in Leeds will benefit from a £20million investment scheme that will see BT roll out fast fibre broadband to hundreds of properties in the city. The city council confirmed that the project, which will be completed in the coming years, will cover 285 schools, 293 council-owned buildings and 156 NHS buildings linked up. Meanwhile, BT promises 5G coverage to be available to 70per cent of Leeds by 2023. 

 

Cllr James Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive member for resources, said: "We're pleased to launch this programme, which will mean faster, more reliable broadband for the NHS and schools in Leeds as well as the vast majority of our council houses and private residents.

 

"Rolling out full fibre in Leeds will mean quicker, more responsive public services for our residents and attracting more high quality jobs to the area as businesses are keen to invest in cities with 5G connectivity."

 

Sarah Walker, north of England director for BT’s Enterprise unit, said: "Our world-class full fibre network will establish Leeds as one of the UK’s digital leaders, by bringing ultrafast broadband speeds to people and businesses across the city as well as underpinning the widespread roll out of 5G mobile services.

 

"We are pleased to be providing further support to local residents and businesses through a series of initiatives aimed at equipping those people most in need with the essential digital skills needed to get fit for the future.

 

"Digital technology is transforming every element of the way we live. In a world where everyday life and work increasingly depend on technology, digital skills can be the difference between getting ahead or being left behind."