AT least 1,000 new jobs will be created following a £20 million upgrading of internet speeds in Worcestershire.

It was revealed earlier this week that BT has struck a deal with Worcestershire County Council to bring top-of-the-range broadband to 55,000 homes and businesses.

Work done by County Hall, BT and the Federation of Small Businesses shows companies of all sizes believe the connections will help them grow and take on staff.

By June 2016, when the project is complete, at least 1,000 new positions will have been funded due to companies being able to rapidly speed up their work.

County council deputy leader and cabinet member for the economy Simon Geraghty, said: “That’s the kind of difference this project will make – it will allow Worcestershire to compete as a place to do business.

“Three years ago, the Government set out a clear ambition, which was to get superfast broadband to 90 per cent of homes – we’ve gone one further by including businesses too, and we think we’re unique in the country in doing that.

“Broadband is so essential now, it’s almost become a fourth utility.”

A timetable will be published in the autumn outlining which areas will get the superfast broadband first, and when.