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

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to improve internet coverage in rural areas; and to what timescale.

The Government’s manifesto set out its ambition to deliver nationwide gigabit-capable coverage by 2025. The Budget committed £5 billion to support the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband in the most difficult to reach 20% of the country, so that all areas are able to benefit. This builds on existing initiatives such as the Superfast broadband programme and £200 million Rural Gigabit Connectivity programme. We are currently engaging closely with industry, Local Authorities and Devolved Administrations to design this new programme.