LGA responds to full-fibre broadband announcement

“It is good that the Government has pledged to invest in providing full-fibre broadband in hard-to-reach areas. Councils have long-called for funding and support to bridge the digital connectivity gap so that rural communities are not left behind."

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Responding to the announcement that the Government will be investing in providing full-fibre broadband in hard-to-reach areas, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s People and Places Board, Cllr Kevin Bentley, said:

“It is good that the Government has pledged to invest in providing full-fibre broadband in hard-to-reach areas. Councils have long-called for funding and support to bridge the digital connectivity gap so that rural communities are not left behind.

“Poor digital connectivity threatens the future success and prosperity of rural areas and therefore the UK as a whole.

“If this is to meet the Prime Minister’s commitment of nationwide full-fibre by 2025, then we need to see this followed by a range of reforms including flexibilities to ensure there are enough people trained in fibre deployment, national business rates relief on digital infrastructure along with changes to local wayleave, planning and roadworks policy.

“Councils look forward to continue working with government and broadband providers to support the spread of future-proofed connectivity across the country.”