VILLAGERS are being urged to work together so they can get lightning fast broadband...or face missing out on the upgraded connectivity.

Thousands of residents and business owners in East Anglia have already got the green light to have the network built by specialist hyperfast provide County Broadband.

But there are 13 villages remaining in the rollout's first phase who are at risk of losing out.

People living and working in Frating, Thorrington, Langham and the Rosewood development in Myland, Colchester, are eligible for the scheme but a minimum threshold of pre-order sign ups from residents and businesses must be hit in each village before projects are approved and network building can start.

Schools and community halls will also receive a free connection and service.

County Broadband, based in Aldham, are rolling out the full-fibre broadband which is some 20 times faster than the UK average.

Last year's rollout launch was backed by a £46million cash boost from Aviva Investors. It follows the government’s pledge for the entire UK to have access to gigabit speeds by 2025.

Just ten per cent of UK homes and businesses can access full-fibre broadband, compared with 71 per cent in Spain and 89 per cent in Portugal.

David Burch, director of policy at Essex Chambers of Commerce, said “Having access to an efficient and fast broadband network is an absolute essential for success today and we congratulate County Broadband for the work they are doing to ensure that businesses across the East of England, and especially in Essex, will be able get just that.”

Lloyd Felton, chief executive of County Broadband, said: “We are delighted to have welcomed over 130 villages in Essex to our new network and call on the remaining rural communities to consider the benefits of our hyperfast full-fibre network and seize the opportunity to get future-ready.”

The technology sees fibre optic cables connect directly into properties and offices - even in remote rural areas.

It means films and music can be downloaded in seconds, even if they are in high definition.

For more information visit countybroadbandfibre.co.uk.