BT named as Connecting Devon and Somerset's preferred provider

BT has been named as preferred provider for the Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) super-fast broadband strategy.

The telecoms giant is now the overwhelming favourite to deliver the infrastructure improvement project, which is being run in partnership by Plymouth City Council, Somerset and Devon county councils, North Somerset Council and Torbay Council.

Although the deal has not yet been formally completed and is subject to due diligence, it is set to be finalised ahead of Christmas.

"Once [due diligence] has been completed successfully, the offer will be formally confirmed enabling the final contract details to be agreed," a CDS spokesman told the Plymouth Herald.

The project aims to bring next-generation broadband connectivity to at least 85 per cent of local properties within the next three years, before boosting coverage to every home and business across the two counties by 2020.

More than £31 million of government funding has been allocated to the scheme, while Devon and Somerset county councils have each pledged £10 million.

Residents have been urged to support the initiative by completing a survey to show their demand for faster broadband access, with more than 25,000 people signing up to date.