A NEW report has revealed that BT’s investment in super-fast broadband in Wiltshire is expected to create thousands of new jobs in the next 15 years.

The report, by Regeneris Consulting, predicts the high-speed technology is capable of contributing hundreds of millions pounds to the local economy.

It will allow existing firms to operate more efficiently and to develop new products and services and make it easier for new businesses to get started through increasing use of innovations, such as ‘cloud computing’.

The report predicts that over the next 15 years BT’s super-fast broadband investment could give the economy of a typical town like Swindon a £143m boost , create 225 new jobs and 140 new start-up businesses. There is also expected to be a big surge in flexible and home working.

BT’s £2.5bn roll-out across the UK has already made the technology available to nearly 700,000 South West homes and businesses – and this figure is expected to reach nearly 1.25 million mark by Spring next year.

The Regeneris report also examines the wider impact of BT in Wiltshire through direct employment, expenditure with contractors and suppliers and the spending of its employees.

Jon Reynolds, BT’s regional director for the South West, said: “It is vital we continue to grow and help customers, stakeholders and employees to thrive as we work together to create a more prosperous South West.”