The development of a major new fibre-optic broadband scheme in South Yorkshire has been completed.

Digital Region, a body owned by Yorkshire Forward and several local authorities, has worked with Thales UK on the scheme, which means guaranteed download speeds of 25Mb are now available in the area.

Over £90 million of funding has been used to establish the network, which will reach 1.3 million people based at 97 per cent of all homes and businesses in South Yorkshire.

David Holt, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Region, said the scheme was "a truly groundbreaking project".

He added that it will "provide a major boost to South Yorkshire's economy, encouraging inward investment and providing a wealth of opportunities for businesses, local residents and public sector organisations".

Earlier this month, it was announced that Gateshead Council has worked with Alcatel-Lucent on a new fibre-optic broadband network installed in the town's Baltic Business Quarter.