COMMUNICATIONS giant BT has chosen Bradford for trials which could lead to UK business premises - and eventually homes - receiving even faster broadband connections.

Through its Openreach division, BT will trial business fibre-to-the-premises technology, providing ultra fast speeds of up to 1Gbps, at premises in Kirkgate and Listerhills Science Park.

The trials will explore if the technology can be installed faster and more efficiently in business parks and high streets. Work has already started on the network and the first businesses are expected to be connected in late Spring.

Trevor Higgins, BT’s regional partnership director, said: “It is great news that Bradford is at the forefront of the UK’s exciting plans for FTTP broadband. Once again, our region is in a leading position on the introduction of this technology, which is providing a major boost for households and businesses.

"This exciting technology is transforming the opportunities for communities across Yorkshire and the Humber and creating a lasting legacy, which will play a key role in their future prosperity for many years to come.”

Clive Selley, Openreach chief executive, added: “I’m determined to roll out ultrafast broadband and G.fast technology is the best way to deliver that to the majority of the UK as quickly as possible. We also plan to roll out significantly more fibre-to-the-premises, and we’re trialling a range of options in Bradford to use that technology increasingly in future – wherever it makes sense.

“A large number of new housing developments will also get fibre-to-the-premises infrastructure built for free under our latest plans, so that’s great news for developers and homeowners too.”