HUNDREDS of homes and businesses across Suffolk are set to benefit from faster internet speeds by the autumn.

The County Council has confirmed work to roll-out its Better Broadband for Suffolk Programme has started ahead of schedule and BT engineers have begun carrying out surveys in some locations.

The aim of the early roll out is to connect more than 1,500 business and residential properties.

Engineers have also begun ordering green fibre cabinets which are likely to be on the edge of existing fibre broadband coverage areas and in more rural locations.

Leader of Suffolk County Council Mark Bee said: “Through the process of agreeing with BT how the programme will be rolled out, it became clear that there were a number of quick wins that we could deliver which would mean people benefit earlier than expected.

“We’ve therefore pushed ahead with the programme and I’m delighted with the outcome.

“Whilst the exact areas are still to be confirmed, they are most likely on the edge of existing fibre coverage areas and in more rural locations.

“The Better Broadband for Suffolk programme was set up to improve broadband access for everyone and this is the first, real, sign that things are taking shape.” BT signed a £40million contract to deliver the programme with the council last December, with work is due to be completed by the end of 2015.

Every property in Suffolk will have access to broadband speeds of at least 2Mbps and 85% will be able to get superfast speeds (24Mbps+).