HOMES and businesses in York will be next to benefit from an ultrafast broadband and entertainment boost as part of Virgin Media’s £3bn network expansion across the country.

The digital giant plans to expand its fibre optic network to 20,000 homes and businesses in the area.

Work has already begun and is expected to be completed in 2017.

Those who wish to take Virgin Media’s services will be connected to ultrafast broadband speeds of up to 200Mbps for local residents, and 300Mbps for local businesses and home workers. Local residents can also benefit from the latest entertainment with up to 260 TV channels. Cllr Ian Gillies, Executive Member for Transport and Planning at City of York Council, said: “Faster broadband brings many benefits for York residents and businesses. The council is pleased that broadband options in York are growing and that investments into the digital infrastructure are being made.”