The rollout is delivering superfast access - internet speeds greater than 24 Mbps - to those properties not covered by existing commercial networks and is on track to take superfast access to 95 per cent of the UK by 2017. The UK already leads the EU “big five” nations when it comes to superfast access and take-up and the programme will ensure it stays ahead.
Government recognises the importance of a fast internet connection to individuals and businesses alike, and it’s £1.7bn investment in the rollout is a key part of the Government’s long term economic plan. Around 80 per cent of the UK already has access to superfast speeds, and the rollout is currently reaching an additional 40,000 homes and businesses every week.
Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said “Today there are two million more UK homes and businesses with access to superfast broadband than there were two years ago as a result of this ambitious project. This is a tremendous result that is already making a huge difference to millions of people. We want everyone in the UK to be able to enjoy the benefits of superfast broadband, that’s why we’ve begun work on reaching the last five per cent of communities not covered by existing plans.”
Faster broadband is a catalyst for economic growth, and its estimated that the Government rollout will result in the creation of 56,000 more jobs in the UK by 2024. Superfast broadband will be pivotal in driving profits for local businesses, and rural economies are set to benefit by around £9 million every day due to the work being done now.
Project partners BT are now rolling out the fibre-optic cable at maximum speed, with great progress to date in each geographical area of the UK:
| Country / Region | Homes and businesses reached by the Government rollout |
| North East England | 85,048 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 232,536 |
| North West England | 272,894 |
| Midlands | 291,985 |
| South East England | 265,935 |
| South West England | 200,272 |
| East of England | 288,729 |
| Scotland | 220,000 |
| Wales | 299,876 |
| Northern Ireland | 17500 |
Joe Garner, CEO of Openreach, BT’s local network business, said “We’re proud to be delivering this great British success story in partnership with the Government, and have committed up to £1billion of our shareholders' money to the projects. The programme is on schedule overall and our people continue to work flat-out on connecting homes and business in the UK’s hard-to-reach areas. If we come in under budget, savings can be reinvested to take coverage even further. Funds will also be released if take-up exceeds expectations, all of which is further great value for the taxpayer.”