The time between it being announced as a saviour to frustrated firms and usable superfast broadband actually arriving can give the word the distinct air of a misnomer.

As connectivity remaining patchy across the county one Cheltenham firm decided to take matters into its own hands and partner with a business which could make superfast broadband happen for the town.

Communications experts Bamboo teamed up with infrastructure provider CityFibre to offer businesses in the spa town willing to come on board the previously only dreamed of speeds of up to 1,000Mpbs.

"With the majority of Gloucestershire businesses experiencing an average download speed of less than 100Mbps, there is no doubt that faster connections are needed in order to remain competitive," said Lorrin White, Bamboo's managing director.

"In Bamboo's survey, we discovered that eight out of 10 businesses would be interested in affordable connections above 500Mpbs."

The Cheltenham-headquartered business can offer eligible small and medium sized businesses these connections with support from the DCMS Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme.

Which means installation costs to be recovered as part of the UK Government's commitment to a full-fibre Britain.

She added: "Given the massive increase in data usage in businesses, which will only keep increasing, the Gigabit City project with CityFibre in Gloucestershire is vital to sustain growth and competitiveness in the marketplace, both in the UK and beyond.

"This is our opportunity to work together to connect Gloucestershire businesses like never before. The availability of gigabit connections will have a significant impact on new businesses considering a move to the region."

A survey of 50 companies in Cheltenham at the tail end of last year has apparently revealed 80 per cent were receiving connections of less than 100Mbps.

Technology firm Bamboo points out many firms were talking back last year in terms of needing 500Mpbs.

Stephen Barclay, sales director at Entanet, CityFibre's wholesale business, said: "Having the first customers connected and up and running is a great catalyst for the region's digital economy."

Gigabit capable internet speeds are currently available to just four per cent of UK premises.

CityFibre is now operating in more than 50 towns and cities throughout the UK. It is based in London and privately owned by a consortium of Antin Infrastructure Partners and West Street Infrastructure Partners, a fund managed by Goldman Sachs.