I have welcomed research showing that superfast broadband has boosted the turnover of businesses across the UK by £9 billion. This boost to the UK economy has created 49,000 jobs, showing the clear benefits that superfast broadband provides.
Nationwide superfast broadband coverage has now reached 95.39% due to the Government's focus on hard to reach areas and, in the south-east, over 97% of homes and businesses can now access superfast services.
Work is on-going to extend coverage, with more than 1 million extra UK homes and businesses estimated to gain access to superfast speeds over the next few years, taking superfast coverage to 98% of the nation.
The Government has introduced a Universal Service Obligation meaning everyone will have access to fast and affordable broadband by 2020.
And it is going even further, having set out plans to deliver nationwide full fibre connectivity by 2033 as part of the modern Industrial Strategy.
Commenting, I said that this shows that extending superfast broadband is making a real difference to individuals and businesses, boosting turnovers and reducing unemployment. I have been very pleased to help celebrate new broadband connections at Maidensgrove, Cuxham and at Stonor. These are all hard-to-reach areas where what is now an essential utility has become real for households and businesses. This is good news as we move into an increasingly digital economy, and it's great news for individuals.
We know there is more to do, so are continuing to work with broadband providers to reach areas not yet covered and expect 1 million more homes and businesses to gain access in the next few years.
Notes for information
- On 20 August 2018 the Department of Culture, Media and Sport published an independent assessment of the impact the rollout of superfast broadband had between 2012 and 2016. The full report is available here.
- The report identified a £9 billion surge in turnover for businesses benefitting from the faster connections now available (DCMS, Press Release, 20 August 2018, link).
- And a reduction of almost 9,000 individuals claiming jobseekers allowance, as well as a reduction in long term claimants by 2,500 in programme areas, accompanied by the creation of 49,000 local jobs (DCMS, Press Release, 20 August 2018, link).
- We have delivered our manifesto commitment to provide superfast broadband to more than 19 out of 20 UK homes and businesses making it is easier to work and play, with 95.39 per cent of homes now having access to superfast services (DCMS, Press Release, 29 January 2018, link; DCMS, Press Release, 20 August 2018, link).
- It is estimated that more than 1 million extra UK homes and businesses will gain access to superfast speeds, taking superfast coverage to 98 per cent of the nation over the next few years (DCMS, Press Release, 20 August 2018, link).
- We are introducing a Universal Service Obligation that will mean everyone in the UK has access to fast and affordable broadband by 2020, and has recently set out plans to deliver nationwide gigabit capable (1000Mbps) connectivity by 2033 as part of our modern Industrial Strategy (DCMS, Press Release, 20 August 2018, link).
