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Broadband: Rural Areas

Asked by Mr Lee DillonLiberal DemocratDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 16 October 2024UIN 900706

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of rural broadband coverage.

Answered by Chris Bryant

It is inadequate, but we are working on it. According to figures published by Ofcom earlier this year, 88% of premises in rural areas can get superfast broadband speeds, and 47% have access to a gigabit-capable connection.

Under Project Gigabit, almost £2 billion has already been allocated in contracts to connect homes and businesses that will not be reached by suppliers' commercial rollout. These premises are predominantly in rural areas.

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