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Broadband: Rural Areas

Asked by Gideon AmosLiberal DemocratDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 8 January 2025UIN 901957

The question

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

Answered by Chris Bryant

The latest data from the independent website Thinkbroadband.com shows that over 85% of UK premises can now access a gigabit-capable connection. We are committed to delivering nationwide gigabit coverage by 2030.

Earlier this week we announced the signing of four additional Project Gigabit contracts with Openreach to extend gigabit connectivity to over 130,000 premises, including in the Hon. Gentleman’s constituency.

As a result, there is now more than £2 billion available in our live contracts to connect over a million premises with gigabit-capable broadband. These are premises that fall predominantly in rural areas.

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