A HUGE rollout of fast broadband has been approved by Thurrock Council.

Thurrock Council's Leader, Rob Gledhill, has announced the rollout of full fibre broadband infrastructure across South Essex has been approved by cabinet.

The vital £4.4 million infrastructure work forms the first large scale project by the Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA), delivering improved connectivity to 129 sites across Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Rochford and Thurrock, with 78 sites in Thurrock.

Mr Gledhill said: “In this digital age and during the current coronavirus pandemic, it is more crucial than ever that residents and businesses have the best possible connectivity and this infrastructure programme is a vital step in enabling gigabit broadband across the borough.

“These works deliver some of the fastest broadband connections in the UK to schools, community services and care facilities across South Essex.

"The power of connectivity is continuing to shape the way we work, live and play more than ever, and so it is very important that we continue to lead and innovate in the future.

“The work that ASELA has already undertaken shows the very positive impact that collaborative working and talking across district and borough boundaries can have for the residents of south Essex.”

The £4.4m broadband boost will enable providers to deliver some of the fastest connections in the country to Thurrock residents and businesses, is the result of a successful bid to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

It is expected to be delivered by May 2021.