A £12.5m project to bring broadband internet technology to over 5,500 firms in Devon has been unveiled by Broadband4Devon, one of the largest private and public sector partnerships in the county.

They explained that the three-year initiative would create or safeguard more than 1,600 jobs across the county by using the benefits of high-speed internet technology to ensure that Devon firms benefit fully from e-business.

Stephen Timms, the governments e-commerce minister, welcomed the initiative "This scheme is a good example of what can be achieved with a partnership approach."
"The government is keen to see as much of the UK as possible gain access to affordable broadband services, particularly in rural areas, and take advantage of the available business opportunities."

BT Retail chief executive Pierre Danon said: "We applaud the Broadband4Devon partners in putting broadband at the heart of their economic strategies. This multi-million pound project will demonstrate the real power of organisations working together in local communities."

"It will play a major role in helping households and businesses harness the huge benefits offered by broadband and, in so doing, make a vital contribution to the future prosperity of the area. This project is an important part of our ambitious nationwide partnerships programme aimed at extending broadband to more remote areas."