Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire met with representatives from Virgin Media in Featherstone to hear about the next steps in their network expansion project in the UK.
Virgin Media plans to expand its fibre optic network to 1,600 homes and businesses in the area as part of its pledge to bring better connectivity and top-notch TV to 17 million premises by the end of 2019. Work has already begun in the area and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Those who wish to take Virgin Media’s services will be connected with fibre broadband run directly to their premise offering ultrafast, future-proof connectivity with download speeds of up to 200Mbps for local residents, and 300Mbps for local businesses and home workers. Local residents can also benefit from the latest entertainment with up to 260 TV channels, including 66 HD channels as well as access to Sky Sports, Sky Movies and BT Sport, and an extensive TV on demand library of exclusive shows, box sets and movies.
Jo Dutton, Regional Director for the Midlands at Virgin Media, said: “Its official – Featherstone has struck broadband and entertainment gold! Residents will soon be getting the high-speed connectivity and top-notch TV they deserve. We urge residents in Staffordshire and beyond to come together and register their interest - your street could be next.”
After their meeting Gavin commented: “I very much welcome the news that Featherstone residents will benefit from Virgin Media’s network expansion investment.
“This is a significant and very much welcome boost for Featherstone residents and businesses who have been calling for high speed broadband for a number of years. Living in a rural area, it is vital that we do everything we can to ensure residents and local businesses have access to high speed broadband.
“Although there is still more to do across the South Staffordshire, this investment from Virgin Media is a huge step in improving accessibility for Featherstone residents. I raised the issue of poor accessibility in other areas of the constituency and was glad to hear them take this on board.”