SUPERFAST broadband is set to be rolled out across Blackburn with Darwen as part of a £300,000 scheme to improve internet connections in thousands of homes and businesses.

Council officers are recommending that BT’s next generation broadband service, delivered over copper lines, is rolled out across the borough.

Members of Blackburn with Darwen’s executive committee will be asked to approve the plans at a meeting tonight.

Superfast broadband is already available, or plans are in place to provide it, to approximately two-thirds of Lancashire.

BT’s scheme will ensure the remaining third has access too, including rural areas.

It makes available download speeds of up to 24 megabits per second.

This is more than double the speed previously available.

The scheme is due to start in April 2012, with completion expected in 2014.

Coun Dave Harling, executive member for regeneration, said: “The expansion of superfast broadband is crucial to economic and social prosperity.

“It will support the local economy, and job creation, by enabling the growth of businesses, supporting new business start-ups, and by attracting new investment in growth services.

“Superfast broadband is especially important in deprived and rural communities.”