Slow Take Up on Super-Fast Broadband

Last month, Labour MP Ian Lucas told the government to "pull its finger out" because as yet, no firms or technologies have been chosen to pilot next-generation broadband in the earmarked remote test areas. 

The government has pledged to make the UK the best place for super-fast broadband in Europe by 2015, and as a result, they are pushing ahead with a second wave of funding.

There will be a further £50m made available to local authorities around the UK.  It is estimated that the extra funding will help a further 800,000 homes to benefit from next-generation broadband.

North Yorkshire, Cumbria, Herefordshire and the Highlands and Islands, were all listed as pilot areas for test in October, however no firm or technologies have yet been chosen to be used in the tests.  This is the third of UK homes that are not economically attractive to firms such as BT and Virgin Media because offering next-generation services there would cost too much money.

"This is very much a locally-driven process and we encourage bids from all local people with plans for improving broadband in their local area," said Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne.

For more information visit:  Broadband Delivery UK