Improved broadband access coming to 100,000 rural homes

The government has revealed plans to improve broadband access for about 100,000 homes and businesses in rural parts of the UK.

Announced by Defra secretary Therese Coffey on Monday 2 October, the intention is to reach 85% of identified premises by 2025, and achieve close to 100% shortly after that.

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The announcement comes as part of a consultation to review and update the universal service obligation (USO), which already grants home owners and businesses a legal right to request an affordable and sufficient broadband connection.

Ms Coffey said: “Our countryside, home to millions of people, is rich in potential and we want to make sure that everyone can develop their skills and reach the opportunities for success.

“So whether through improved connectivity, housing or transport, I’m championing rural communities as we seek to grow our economy – so that every part of our country gets the support it needs to thrive.”

The review is also expected to include further development of policy to improve broadband connectivity in so-called “very hard to reach premises”, which are a small minority of locations in rural areas of the UK.

These are unlikely to benefit from current efforts by the telecoms industry to deliver gigabit-capable broadband services, due to their isolated location, low population density or limited existing telecoms infrastructure – all of which can make them challenging to connect.