The UK Government will make an investment of up to £800 million to upgrade broadband infrastructure for 312,000 rural homes and businesses across England, Scotland and Wales.
The injection aims to close the digital divide that has left many remote areas with slow internet speeds.
The investment is part of the government’s broader strategy to achieve full gigabit broadband coverage in the UK by 2030.
“Millions across the country still struggle to access basic online services due to poor connectivity, especially in rural regions, so it’s excellent to see the government’s renewed push to roll out improved broadband,” said Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance.
“Connectivity must be viewed as a core part of modern life in the digital age, on a par with essential utilities such as energy, and continued investment such as this project is needed to ensure millions aren’t left digitally excluded.
“With many essential services increasingly moving online, suitable connectivity is vital for tasks many of us take for granted, such as remote education and online healthcare, so the government and wider society cannot stop until this is addressed.
“However, what is then key is that monthly costs of using high-speed connections are affordable, and not out of reach as the cost-of-living crisis continues.”
