Superfast broadband reaches more than 1 million homes and businesses across UK
More than 190,000 homes and businesses in Wales can now also access superfast internet speeds thanks to UK government rollout.
The UK government’s rollout of superfast broadband has now reached more than 1 million homes and businesses across the UK - with more than 190,000 Welsh homes and businesses now able to access superfast internet speeds, new figures show today (8 August).
The £1.7 billion nationwide rollout is firmly on track to extend superfast broadband to 95% of UK homes and businesses by 2017. The rate at which the fibre technology is being rolled out under the programme is rapidly accelerating, with up to 40,000 premises gaining access every week.
The UK-wide rollout is a key part of the government’s long-term economic plan to secure Britain’s future by providing access to superfast broadband in areas the private sector would not otherwise have reached. The current rural programme will deliver returns of £20 for every £1 invested, representing tremendous value for money.
Faster broadband will not only improve profits for UK businesses, but will create an additional 56,000 jobs in the UK by 2024.The work involved in the current roll out is expected to provide a £1.5 billion boost to local economies. By 2024, the government’s current investments in faster broadband will be boosting rural economies by £275 million every month, or around £9 million every day.
Current UK coverage of superfast broadband is the highest of the top 5 European economies and we also lead our European counterparts in terms of take up, competitiveness and pricing. But the government recognises that there is still more to do.
Current plans will ensure superfast speeds for 95% of the UK, but the government firmly believes that its transformation of the digital landscape should reach every area of the UK.
Focus is now on the “final 5%” – those areas in the most remote and hardest to reach places in the UK that are not covered by existing plans. £10m has been invested in a series of pilot projects currently under way in 8 locations across the nation to investigate the best way of tackling these areas. The findings will be used to inform future funding bids to ensure everyone benefits from the transformation of the digital landscape currently underway.
Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said:
More than a million homes and businesses have now benefitted as a result of the government’s investment in superfast broadband.
It is totally transforming the way we live and work. You can download feature length films faster, chatting online with family and friends around the world using VOIP is more reliable and households can go online simultaneously without the connection slowing down or dropping out.
For businesses, superfast speeds are boosting profits through increased sales, reduced overheads and accessing markets abroad for the first time.
Wales Office Minister Alun Cairns said:
Today’s announcement that almost 200,000 Welsh homes and businesses have access to superfast speeds is a significant milestone in this government’s ambitious plans to ensure that Wales has a broadband network fit for the digital age.
Superfast broadband is essential not only for everyday life, but also for the future economic success of Wales. That is why improved connectivity for homes and businesses is a cornerstone of our long term economic plan to drive growth and strengthen the Welsh economy.
From our rural heartlands to our urban city centres, we are investing in superfast broadband to support Welsh businesses so they can compete in the global race, access new markets and create the jobs we need.
Gavin Patterson, Chief Executive Officer, BT, said:
Getting fibre to rural areas is hard, and often complex, work but we are making great progress. Our engineers are busy, from Hampshire to the Highlands, connecting homes and businesses whatever the challenge. We are laying undersea cables to the Outer Hebrides, reaching remote villages in Wales and transforming rural areas across England.
BT has brought technical expertise to the table as well as hundreds of millions of pounds. Some of the early projects are close to completion and further funds will be released if we come in under budget or take-up exceeds expectations.
Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said:
Today’s milestone shows just how far we’ve come in bringing faster, more reliable broadband to communities across the country.
Thanks to our funding, we’re helping bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, enabling some of our most isolated businesses and communities to grow and thrive.
This investment will make a real difference to the rural economy, changing the way that businesses and consumers can use the internet and securing a better future for Britain.
Further information:
Find out more about superfast broadband in Wales
Superfast Britain is a UK government programme of investment in broadband and communication infrastructure across the UK. Run by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, this investment helps businesses to grow, creates jobs and will make Britain more competitive in the global race. The portfolio is comprised of three elements:
- £780m to extend superfast broadband to 95% of the UK by 2017
- £150m to provide high speed broadband to businesses in 22 cities
- £150m to improve quality and coverage of mobile phone and basic data network services
Administered on behalf of the government by Broadband Delivery UK Superfast Britain is transforming Britain by promoting growth, enabling skills and learning, and improving quality of life.
Fibre optic Image courtsey of x_tine on Flickr, used under Creative Commons.