Fast track to prosperity at Blackbrook Business Park, Taunton (From This is The West Country)

Fast track to prosperity at Blackbrook Business Park, Taunton

3:20pm Sunday 27th May 2012 in News By Phil Hill

THOUSANDS of workers on a business park on the edge of Taunton are to get faster internet access after all.

Companies on the Blackbrook Business Park, served by the Henlade exchange, heard on Tuesday that they will be included in the next programme of upgrades.

The Henlade exchange will offer download speeds of up to 20 megabits per second by next spring following the intervention of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, which is based on the business park.

BT had originally excluded the exchange, but the upgrade of Henlade, along with Williton, has now been given the go-ahead.

Among the latest locations going live are Langport and Bishops Lydeard.

Somerset Chamber of Commerce chief executive Rupert Cox said: “This kind of major investment has never been more vital.

“It’s an essential part of building a more prosperous county in these economically uncertain times.

“Businesses can use the technology to be more efficient and competitive, while individuals can develop their education and skills for a fast changing world.

“Efficient, high-speed communications are critical to our future success.”

BT’s South-West regional director Jon Reynolds said 70% of the region’s homes and businesses now have access to the latest technology.

He added: “The rapid roll-out of faster broadband offers a great opportunity for the South-West.

“It’s an important part of BT’s plans to help ensure the region is able to take full advantage of the communications revolution.

“The technology is having a major impact on our everyday lives and changing for the better the way we live, helping businesses work more efficiently and flexibly and to find new markets.

“And communities are better able to make use of the huge range of on-line educational and entertainment opportunities available.”