The Government is currently consulting on how to improve broadband for Very Hard to Reach Premises.

This consultation follows their response in February 2022 to their call for evidence on improving broadband for Very Hard to Reach premises .

The consultation says that:

“Thanks to the work done by the telecoms industry, supported by the Government and Ofcom, gigabit-capable broadband has already been delivered to over 77% of premises in the UK, however the Government recognises there is more still to be done.”

It continues:

“We know that good digital connectivity will play an important part in ensuring the most rural and remote communities in the UK, which have typically not been able to benefit from improvements to their broadband services, are not left behind.

By definition, it is going to be much more difficult to deliver gigabit connectivity to the hardest to reach parts of the UK – around 20% of UK premises – and that is why we have committed a record £5 billion of capital funding to support deployment in these areas through Project Gigabit.

However, due to a number of factors, a small minority of premises in rural and remote areas of the UK are unlikely to benefit directly from the substantial activity across the telecoms industry to deliver gigabit-capable broadband services.”

The Rural Services Network considers ensuring that rural areas are not left behind to be of vital importance not only in what seems to be the ‘digital by default’ approach operated by service providers, but to ensure that rural communities can take advantage of the opportunities created by access to technology and connectivity.

The Rural Services Network has put together a response and is currently consulting its membership to ensure that it accurately reflects rural needs and concerns.

The deadline for the consultation is 27th November 2023 and further information can be found at this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-broadband-for-very-hard-to-reach