Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to support the roll-out of fibre to the premises broadband to businesses.

The government is committed to ensuring that the UK has the digital communications infrastructure that businesses need to grow and thrive. For some this will mean fibre to the premise, for others this will be fibre to the cabinet, with the final customer connection over copper or coaxial cable. Some businesses may opt to use wireless services.

The Government’s role is to facilitate private investment in infrastructure, to provide policy stability, and to support the market, providing targeted financial support as necessary.

Through the Government’s investment of over £780 million, superfast broadband is now available to over 80% of homes and businesses in the UK, compared to 45% in 2010. By the end of 2017 it will be available to 95% of homes and businesses. The Government has already dedicated £40 million this year to SME connectivity in 50 cities and their surrounding areas. The scheme is going well, with over £28 million committed so far. Over 40,000 vouchers being issued since the scheme launched in December 2013. On average firms are getting ten times faster broadband as a result of their improved connection, and almost 750,000 workers will benefit from better broadband in the workplace.