MORE than half a million more homes in rural areas are to gain access to faster broadband as the Government continues its £5 billion gigabit rollout.
Some 567,000 properties in remote parts of Cheshire, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Essex, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Lincolnshire, East Yorkshire and North Yorkshire are in line for the gigabit speed boost, which is the equivalent to 1,000 megabits per second.
Such speeds make it possible for a user to download an HD movie in less than 30 seconds.
Where’s broadband boost money coming from?
The investment is part of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s target of achieving at least 85% gigabit-capable UK coverage by 2025, which officials have said is “on track” to be met.
At present, the UK has 57% coverage, up from less than 6% in 2019, according to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
“The latest stage of our £5 billion Project Gigabit plan will help hard-to-reach homes and businesses out of the broadband slow lane and plug them into the fastest and most reliable connections available,” said Digital Secretary Nadine Dorries.
“This investment is levelling up in action – building new internet connections in our rural communities so people have the speed, reliability and freedom to live and work flexibly, and take advantage of new technologies.”
Broadband boost for Scotland
Around 3,600 homes across Scotland will get much faster gigabit speeds following an £8 million cash injection announced by the Chancellor in Wednesday’s budget.
Areas to benefit include Aberdeenshire, Angus, the Highlands, Moray and Perth & Kinross.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here