THE COUNTRY'S fastest gigabit home broadband is coming to Reading and its surrounding areas.

Broadband 25 times faster than the current local average is set to roll out across central Berkshire soon, as Virgin Media plans to place its 'Gig1' broadband across the country.

Towns expected to be affected are Reading, Calcot, Caversham, Earley, Tilehurst, Woodley, Pangbourne, Twyford, Shinfield and Theale.

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Jeff Dodds, Chief Operating Officer at Virgin Media, said: “This is a next-generation broadband boost for the residents of Reading.

“These hyperfast speeds are 25 times faster than Reading’s average broadband connection, meaning that households can do everything they want to do online, at the same time, without delay and are well set for whatever comes next.

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“This is just one of many investments we’re making in Reading – with our brand new state-of-the-art office set to open next month. We’re committed to making the UK faster and will continue to roll out next-generation Gig1 broadband across our entire network over the next 24 months - a speed and scale unmatched by anyone else.”

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Ellie Emberson, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Corporate and Consumer Services, commented: “Reading is already a major economic player in both the region and in the UK. The introduction of this level of broadband connectivity and speed is yet another major vote of confidence in Reading.

“Developing technology is offering individuals, businesses and organisations new ways of working and new job and career opportunities. Outside of the workplace, there is the potential to make a real difference to lives, through things like access to care or information, which will lead to major benefits for people across the town.”