Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of broadband infrastructure in rural communities.

Gigabit-capable broadband is now available to 86% of UK premises, as reported by Ofcom’s Connected Nations Report (2025), and we continue to work towards the target of nationwide coverage by 2032.

Project Gigabit is the government’s programme to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to UK premises that are not included in suppliers' commercial plans. Delivering the speeds associated with gigabit-capable broadband ensures the UK network is prepared for the future, with the ability to handle increased demand and new technology developments.

As of the end of December 2025, over 1.3 million premises in rural and hard to reach communities across the UK had been upgraded to gigabit-capable broadband through government-funded programmes. More than one million premises are included within £2.4 billion worth of signed Project Gigabit contracts.