Rural internet deserts in England and Wales will finally be able to benefit from fast broadband | High speed

The last corners of England and Wales that have yet to be covered by a £5bn initiative to expand fast broadband could finally have access to fast downloads, streaming and video calls after as the government announced £289m of new taxpayer-funded contracts enabling cover.

After some people living in broadband blackspots were forced to turn to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet connections, the latest deals to boost connectivity are expected to offer 131,000 homes and businesses in villages and towns rural Internet deserts with gigabit-level fiber optic coverage, enabling high-definition movie streaming. to download in about a minute.

This announcement comes after years of frustration with a predominantly rural-urban digital divide. Campaigners said slow internet in the countryside hampers business, restricts access to online health and education services and can worsen social isolation.

The new contracts to install fiber optic connections in areas untouched by private investment would apply across North Wales, including Anglesey, South West Wales, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Devon, Somerset, Essex and the North East of England, according to the Department for England. Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) Announcement.

Mari Rees-Stavros, a cafe owner in Blaenau Ffestiniog in the Eryri National Park, north Wales, told the Guardian the lack of fast broadband had been “horrible” and that despite the contract with three broadband providers, it had “lost a lot of money”. » when its internet-connected payment systems crashed, preventing customers from paying. Instead, she decided to use Musk’s Starlink, which costs from £80 a month.

Further publicly funded coverage contracts are expected to be awarded to bring similar gigabit broadband speeds to blackspots in Scotland and Northern Ireland later this year, as the Government’s target for this gigabit broadband being available across the UK by 2030 is looming.

The Government has already committed to tackling another serious problem affecting some urban and rural lives, by ensuring 4G mobile phone coverage to at least 95% of the UK by the end of 2025.

Digital inclusion charity the Good Things Foundation welcomed the additional funding for what is known as Project Gigabit, but Emma Stone, its director of evidence and engagement, said: “ Closing the digital divide in the UK means tackling affordability, digital skills and other barriers that prevent people from fully engaging in the digital world. This is where we need to see action and investment across government.

Peter Kyle, Technology Secretary, said: “We are not only strengthening connectivity, but also making it easier to access remote healthcare, online education and online shopping. Work, learn, shop and connect with loved ones online. DSIT said 85% of homes could currently access gigabit broadband, leaving more than 4 million homes still without a fast connection allowing multiple devices to surf, stream and download at the same time.

Kerry Booth, chief executive of the Rural Services Network, which represents rural councils, market towns and parishes, said: “Broadband internet is not just a public service; it is a lifeline that enables business growth, educational progress and access to essential services such as healthcare. As we move towards a more connected future, it is essential that rural areas are not left behind.