Details of where in Essex will get fast internet speeds have been unveiled today.

Superfast Essex, a collaboration led by Essex County Council and BT, aims to bring speeds of 24Mbps and above as part of the governments Broadband Delivery UK initiative.

Phase one is due to finish next summer, and now phase two has been brought forward to begin almost immediately afterwards – meaning a further 55,000 premises will get a faster internet connection by 2019, instead of the originally planned 2020.

By the end of the second phase 95% of businesses and homes in the county will have superfast broadband, with phase one covering 87% of the county.

The Superfast Essex programme is only bringing fibre broadband connections to areas not covered under plans by commercial providers.

Today areas covered by the second phase of the scheme have been revealed.

They include:

• Tendring – Weeley, Great Bentley, Wix, Wrabness, parts of Harwich and Dovercourt.

• Colchester – Dedham Heath, Great Tey, Tiptree Heath and Copford.

• Braintree – Kelvedon, Cressing, Foxearth, Sturmer, Helions Bumpstead and Easthorpe.

Kevin Bentley, deputy leader of Essex County Council and councillor for economic growth and infrastructure, said: “It is great to hear superfast is going to be reaching more people in Essex earlier than we had first anticipated and I am pleased to see the progress we are making locally.”

Dave Hughes, BT’s East of England regional director, added: “This exciting technology is transforming the opportunities for communities across Essex and the UK as a whole.

“BT’s multi-billion pound investment in superfast broadband through its involvement in partnerships such as Superfast Essex and its own commercial programme has already made fibre broadband available to more than 623,000 households and businesses in Essex – and the number is continuing to grow rapidly.

“Successful broadband partnerships are creating a lasting legacy, which will play a key role in the future prosperity of communities for many years to come.”

Phase two will cost £18.1million to implement, with funding provided by the government, County Hall and some district councils.

In total the Superfast Essex programme will see a £51m investment.

For full details of where will be covered under the plans visit www.superfastessex.org/maps