MP Bob Seely says there has been an overwhelming uptake of Islanders getting connected to new superfast broadband, with nearly 70 per cent of premises on the Isle of Wight having potential access.
The news follows the government’s announcement that ‘Project Gigabit’ has now delivered lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband to over one million properties in the UK including homes, businesses and public buildings.
Project Gigabit is part of the government’s plan to invest £5 billion to enable superfast broadband in hard-to-reach communities’ access to, helping to grow the economy and improve services for households.
On the Island £9 million has been allocated to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to an estimated 17,000 hard to reach homes and businesses across the Island. Already, over 5,000 premises have taken up the offer.
Welcoming the news, Bob Seely said: “The government has told me that the Island has been a show case for the rural broadband support. I have met on several occasions with the UK Broadband rollout to ensure they are focused on supporting the Island.
“Nearly 70 per cent of premises across the Island now have a superfast broadband connection. That’s important for businesses and education."
The government is working with broadband suppliers to achieve at least 85 per cent gigabit coverage of the UK by 2025, and nationwide coverage by 2030. It says it is ahead of target, with the UK rolling out gigabit networks faster than any country in the EU, with 8 in 10 premises now able to access upgrades.
