THE “fastest” internet broadband provider in the East of England is extending its reach to north and mid Essex.

Lightspeed Broadband has started its new internet network build.

The internet provider was reported as the fastest internet in the East of England, as of February 18.

The roll-out includes eight towns across Essex, including Braintree, Witham, Halstead, Maldon, Clacton, Frinton, Harwich and Manningtree.

Lightspeed chief operating officer Dave Axam said: “As a regional provider, we want to make a difference to the region and get involved with the local communities in the towns we are working in.

“It was great to meet Louise Flavell in Witham recently to demonstrate the ‘light speed’ progress of our full fibre network roll out across Essex and the East of England.

“Residents in Essex will be able to start connecting later this year and experience the difference gigabit broadband can make in their homes and businesses, as well as it unlocking the digital potential of the region.”

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Thousands of residents will be able to connect to the internet later this year once the build is complete, with speeds reaching up to one gigabit or 1,000 megabits – 23 times faster than the average broadband speeds currently available, according to data.

Braintree Council economic growth boss Tom Cunningham said: “We are pleased to be working closely with all of our broadband providers in the Braintree district and supporting the quality digital infrastructure roll-out.

“Ultrafast broadband will help to drive businesses forward and bolster our local economy while also improving digital services for our residents.”