SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has announced its preferred bidder to provide superfast broadband to homes and businesses across the district.

The authority, which is working in partnership with Wiltshire Council in the multi-million scheme, has selected British Telecom as its preferred choice to roll out the broadband improvements in 2015.

The contract is expected to be awarded in December, once European State Aid approval is granted to the UK by the European Commission.

Cllr John Goddard, chairman of South Gloucestershire Council’s resources sub-committee, said: “We were delighted to have joined Wiltshire in selecting BT as our preferred bidder in one of the country’s most advanced broadband development projects. This demonstrates our firm commitment to the modern telecommunications infrastructure that our businesses and communities need.

“Delivering broadband improvements remain a high priority for this council and our ambitious project will bring about huge social and economic benefits. We recognise that high speed internet connections are vital for South Gloucestershire’s economic future, and for promoting business growth and encouraging inward investment.“ The procurement programme is being led by Wiltshire Council with an investment of £15.5million with an additional £4.66million government funding. South Gloucestershire Council is investing £2.2million in the district’s broadband provision, alongside £710,000 of government funding.

In June the councils launched a procurement process inviting businesses in the Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) national procurement framework to bid for the contract and demonstrate why they would provide the best value for money and highest level of service.

Find out more about the project at ww.southglos.gov.uk/broadband