A project to enable Hertfordshire internet users to gain access to fibre-optic broadband has been given a £13.9m boost.

The cash injection means more than 90 percent of businesses and homes across the county will be able to access superfast broadband by March 2016 and more than 98 percent coverage by April 2019.

The Connected Counties scheme is a joint project between Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire county councils and BT.

Cllr Chris Hayward, Hertfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, said: “This investment in superfast broadband is good news for everybody in the county.

"It's important infrastructure that will show everyday benefits for thousands of homes and businesses.

“For homes, it will provide a fast and reliable connection for studying online, playing games and downloading music or films.

“For businesses, improved upload and download speeds will mean better connections and ways of working with customers.

“Fibre broadband gives businesses a fast and reliable tool that also opens up new opportunities for working with technology, such as shared online workspaces, video communications and data storage.”

Hertfordshire County Council handed over £3.57m, with £0.5m from Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and a match contribution of £4.07m from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

BT will be contributing £5.8 million over the term of the contract.

For more information about the project visit www.connectedcounties.org