Norfolk County Council (NCC) has begun the tender process to identify a telecoms firm to carry out its super-fast broadband strategy.

The development means Norfolk has become one of the first five counties to invite bids for its multimillion-pound broadband contract, as has the neighbouring county of Suffolk.

Speaking to the Eastern Daily Press, programme director for the Better Broadband for Norfolk campaign Karen O'Kane said the start of the search for a provider to deliver the infrastructure improvements represents the clearing of a "huge hurdle".

Ian Mackie, deputy leader of NCC, added: "This is excellent news, which I very much welcome as it means that we in Norfolk can begin our procurement process in earnest."

Some 15,000 homes and businesses across the county have registered their interest in receiving super-fast broadband.

In April, a report from Regeneris Consulting revealed that BT - which is in the running for the broadband contract - will deliver a major boost to Norfolk's economy over the next 15 years by investing in next-generation access.

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