Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether it is his Department's policy that properties in hard-to-reach hamlets in rural areas (a) must receive gigabit-capable broadband or (b) can receive slower-speed broadband to ensure connectivity.

Project Gigabit is delivering gigabit-capable broadband to UK premises that are not included in suppliers' commercial plans. Our goal is for nationwide gigabit coverage by 2030, ensuring at least 99% of UK premises can access a gigabit-capable connection.

Although the vast majority of premises will receive a gigabit capable broadband connection through commercial activity or Project Gigabit, it will be prohibitively expensive to provide a gigabit capable fibre connection to a very small proportion of premises. These very hard to reach premises may require additional government intervention by alternative means to help provide them with ultrafast connections.