Kemi Badenoch MP has welcomed the news that over 68% of the constituency now have access to Gigabit broadband thanks to investment from the Conservative Government.
The Government announced Project Gigabit in 2019– a flagship £5 billion programme to enable hard-to-reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband.
Thanks to the hard work of the telecoms industry and Government action, gigabit coverage across the UK has increased rapidly in recent years–from one in ten households in 2019 to eight in ten today.
This means the majority of premises can access gigabit-capable networks and is a significant improvement in a short time frame, meaning the UK is currently building gigabit networks faster than any EU country.
The Government is working with broadband suppliers and sticking to its long-term plan to achieve at least 85 per cent gigabit coverage of the UK by 2025, and nationwide coverage by 2030.
Mrs Badenoch met with the Digital Essex team at Essex County Council in Dunmow recently to celebrate the completion of the council’s broadband improvement programme with Openreach. This project has seen thousands of businesses and homes across the Saffron Walden constituency access a superfast connection and Mrs Badenoch was able to hear first-hand how it will benefit local residents.
Commenting, Mrs Badenoch said:
“Over 95% of the constituency now has access to superfast speeds and over 68% to Gigabit.
“However, despite the significant investment, some communities in our constituency still do not have access to a decent broadband service.
“I will continue to work with local providers, Essex County Council and central Government to help coordinate and push for more investment, including Project Gigabit which is set to benefit residents across Chelmsford and Uttlesford in our constituency.”
