The UK Government has published a Comprehensive Spending Review, confirming GBP 1.2 billion of funding from 2021/22 to 2024/25 to subsidise the roll-out of gigabit-capable broadband. This is part of a GBP 5 billion commitment to support the roll-out to the hardest to reach areas of the UK.
Industry group ISPAUK expressed disappointment that the Government has only allocated one quarter of its committed spending on broadband across the next four years. In a statement, the group said this change in policy direction was completely out of step with the government's levelling-up agenda, and called for immediate clarity on how and when the remaining GBP 3.8 billion of funding would be allocated.
The Spending Review also confirmed GBP 50 million of funding in 2021/22 as part of a GBP 250 million commitment to building a secure and resilient 5G network; and more than GBP 200 million UK-wide to continue flagship digital infrastructure programmes such as the Shared Rural Network for 4G mobile coverage, Local Full Fibre Networks, and the 5G Testbeds & Trials Programme. The Government has also allocated GBP 45 million for programmes to drive growth through digital technology and data, while improving online security and safety.
The UK Government has also published its National Infrastructure Strategy. This outlines a plan to target a minimum 85 percent gigabit capable broadband coverage by 2025. The Government had previously pledged to deliver gigabit capable broadband to the whole of the UK by 2025.
The CEO of rural broadband provider Voneus, Steve Leighton, described this change in policy as a 'major blow to rural communities' often left behind in terms of broadband connectivity. He added that the 15 percent of the UK population no longer included in the pledge will be those living in the most expensive-to-reach areas, areas which have struggled during the pandemic lockdowns to work and learn online without decent broadband infrastructure. Instead of focusing on 'headline-grabbing pledges' to provide gigabit-capable broadband for all, he urged the Government to prioritise areas without decent broadband connectivity now to help close the digital divide.
The CEO of London-based full-fibre broadband provider Community Fibre, Graeme Oxy, also responded to the announcement. He said it was an indication that the Government would be relying more heavily on private investment in full-fibre infrastructure over the next few years. He said Community Fibre remained committed to connecting as many London premises as a soon as possible; but warned that the target to connect all London properties to full-fibre by 2025 can only be met if landlords in the city give the necessary permissions to connect their properties.
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