BT HAS been chosen as the preferred bidder to provide superfast broadband to premises across the Wiltshire Council and South Gloucestershire Council areas.

Both councils have announced the company as preferred supplier for the £23m joint project, following a procurement process.

The contract, part of the national Broadband Delivery UK scheme, will be awarded in early December.

John Thomson, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “This project is vital to our economy. Having high speed internet connectivity will be critical to the success of businesses based in the county, and will also be a huge attraction to those looking to move in.”

Wiltshire Council is contributing £15.5m, with an additional £4.66m Government funding. South Gloucestershire Council is investing £2.2m in the district's broadband provision, alongside £710,000 of government funding.