Key messages

  • Access to fast and reliable broadband is a necessity for households and businesses in the UK. Councils have continually raised concerns over residents' lack of broadband access, especially in rural areas. 
  • Local authorities are best placed to understand the digital needs of their areas and have supported the delivery of the Superfast Broadband Programme, providing almost £750 million of the £1.7 billion invested. 
  • Many councils are aiming to extend provision beyond the Superfast Broadband Programme's target of connecting 95 per cent of premises. Despite this, there will inevitably be some premises, mainly in remote rural areas, that will not be reached by the programme

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Debate on the rollout of superfast broadband to rural communities, House of Commons, 21 February 2017