Superfast broadband for 600,000 homes and businesses in rural areas

Around 600,000 extra homes and businesses in broadband not-spots are in line for superfast services, the Culture Secretary has announced.

Some £440m will be used to connect properties in the hardest-to-reach parts of the UK under the Broadband Delivery UK programme (BDUK), Karen Bradley said.

The cash is made up of £150 million in savings from 'careful contract management' and £292 million released through a clawback system that re-invests money when people take up superfast connections installed under the scheme.

Ministers set up the BDUK project to provide superfast broadband to 95% of the UK by December next year.

Ms Bradley said: 'Our Broadband Delivery UK programme is giving families and businesses in hard-to-reach areas the fast and reliable internet connections which are increasingly at the heart of modern life.

'Strong take-up and robust value-for-money measures mean £440 million will be available for reinvestment where it matters - putting more connections in the ground.

'This will benefit around 600,000 extra premises and is a further sign of our commitment to build a country that works for everyone.

'We have made great progress but there is still more to do.

'Broadband speeds aren't boosted automatically - it needs people to sign up. Increasing take-up is a win-win-win: consumers get a better service, it encourages providers to invest, and when more people sign up in BDUK areas, money is clawed back to pay for more connections.'