High-speed internet access to finally arrive in rural areas

Recent announcements indicate that remote communities across the UK are on the verge of a substantial increase in connectivity, with ministers poised to announce new contracts close to £300 million in value.

The Government’s statement signifies over 130,000 remote businesses and homes will get connected to high-speed gigabit services under the banner of Labour’s “Plan for Change”.

The progress for these usually overlooked areas is coming after the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) confirmed four fresh contracts valued at more than £289 million have now been signed with telecoms operator Openreach. Regions slated for advancement comprise Somerset, Dee Valley, Essex, Anglesey, Shropshire Hills, Devon, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and the North East.

Science Secretary, Peter Kyle, commented:

“Since coming into office, I have made it my priority to harness the power of digital innovation to shrink existing divides across our society – so no matter where you live, you can benefit from what the online world has to offer.”

The UK Government believes that faster broadband speeds will have a positive impact on homes and businesses in these locations, but also benefit the National Health Service (NHS) by enabling a larger number of patients to get remote monitoring appointments and consultations – which could reduce pressure on GP services and hospital capacities.

Openreach chief executive Clive Selley, chief executive at Openreach, commented that the full-fibre project is a success story for British infrastructure, which experts predict will boost productivity in the UK by £73 billion.