The Secretary of State for Rural Affairs, Thérèse Coffey has announced that rural communities will have access to substantially improved broadband connections, with some 100,000 homes and businesses set to receive support.

The support is part of the government's target for reliable gigabit-capable broadband to reach 85% of premises by 2025 and to reach as close to 100% as soon as possible after.

The government has said that a "small minority of premises in rural and remote areas of the UK – known as 'Very Hard to Reach Premises' – are unlikely to benefit directly from the substantial activity across the telecoms industry to deliver gigabit-capable broadband services. This can be caused by their isolated location, low population density or limited existing telecoms infrastructure – all of which can make them challenging to connect".

Published consultations outline plans to review and upgrade the broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO).

Thérèse Coffey set out the government's plans to level up rural communities by unlocking new homes in rural areas and investing in new technology to improve local transport links.


She said: "Our countryside, home to millions of people, is rich in potential and we want to make sure that everyone can develop their skills and reach the opportunities for success.

"So whether through improved connectivity, housing or transport I'm championing rural communities as we seek to grow our economy – so that every part of our country gets the support it needs to thrive."

The Secretary of State for Rural Affairs announced:

• A consultation on reviewing and updating the Broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO) which already gives homeowners and businesses the legal right to request an affordable, decent broadband connection.

• A consultation on further proposals to improve broadband provision for Very Hard to Reach Premises, which are unlikely to receive a gigabit-capable connection via either a commercial or government funded intervention. This will ensure communities with the most limited connectivity experience a step-change in their digital connectivity as soon as possible, fuelling the economy and supporting jobs growth for decades to come.

• A statement from Homes England setting out its work to support rural communities and families by enabling the delivery of more good quality, affordable homes. The statement includes case studies of successful rural housing schemes currently operating within Cornwall and the Yorkshire Dales.

• The publication of ‘Future of Transport: Helping local authorities to unlock the benefits of technology and innovation in rural transport’ to help rural local authorities, their communities and other stakeholders to harness transport innovation, helping to improve access to services, tackle isolation and increase access to jobs in rural and remote areas.

The announcements build on the Unleashing Rural Opportunity paper published in June.

Rural proofing work is continuing to take place by Defra whereby all government policy is examined to ensure it is delivering for rural communities. The next rural proofing report will be published later this year.

The Project Gigabit programme has already helped to deliver high-speed, reliable and future-proof broadband to more than 75% of the nation.