Plans to provide broadband digital internet services in Burntwood moved one step closer today when BT announced that ‘public interest thresholds’ for the broadband service would be lowered in Burntwood from 650 down to 350. 220 people in Burntwood have already registered their interest in using such a service. "If just 130 more people in Burntwood register on http://www.bt.com/btbroadband/register/ns_register_intro.jsp broadband will be made available to businesses and individuals in Burntwod", says Michael Fabricant.

The reduction in the threshold level follows discussions Michael Fabricant has had with Sir Christopher Bland, the Chairman of BT. Michael had asked why the threshold had been set at such a high level as 650 and now welcomes this change of heart. (See News Release of 27th January 2003).

"This now puts broadband very much within the reach of people in Burntwood. It is up to local firms and people to log onto the BT site and register their interest in the service. There is no obligation to subsequently subscribe to it if they do not wish. With the blow of Prescott halting the development of a retail park in Burntwood, the town needs broadband to stimulate hi-tech industries setting up in the area." Michael adds.