Matt Warman, MP for Boston and Skegness, has welcomed new research showing that superfast broadband has boosted the turnover of local businesses across the UK by £9 billion.

This boost to the UK economy has created 49,000 jobs, showing the clear benefits that superfast broadband provides.

Nationwide superfast broadband coverage has now reached 95.39% due to the Government’s focus on hard to reach areas, and in the East Midlands 97.12% of homes and businesses can now access superfast services. Work is ongoing to extend coverage, with more than 1 million extra UK homes and businesses estimated to gain access to superfast speeds over the next few years, taking superfast coverage to 98% of the nation.

The Government has introduced a Universal Service Obligation meaning everyone will have access to fast and affordable broadband by 2020. It is going even further than this, having set out plans to deliver nationwide full fibre connectivity by 2033 as part of the modern Industrial Strategy.

Commenting, Matt said,

“These new figures show that extending superfast broadband is making a real difference to local businesses, boosting turnovers and reducing unemployment. Broadband is still one of the top issues in my postbag, so this is great news for businesses in Boston and Skegness as we move into an increasingly digital economy, and it’s great news that over 97% of homes and businesses across the East Midlands now have access to superfast broadband.”

“We know there is more to do, so I welcome the Government’s continued commitment to working with broadband providers to reach areas not yet covered, which will see an expected 1 million more homes and businesses gain access to a better connection in the next few years.”

• On 20th August 2018 the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport published an independent assessment of the impact the rollout of superfast broadband had between 2012 and 2016. The full report is available here.
• The report identified a £9 billion surge in turnover for businesses benefitting from the faster connections now available, and a reduction of almost 9,000 individuals claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, as well as a reduction in long term claimants by 2,500 in programme areas, accompanied by the creation of 49,000 jobs (DCMS, Press Release, 20 August 2018, link).
• The Government has delivered its manifesto commitment to provide superfast broadband to more than 19 out of 20 UK homes and businesses making it is easier to work and play, with 95.39% of homes now having access to superfast services. It is estimated that more than 1 million extra UK homes and businesses will gain access to superfast speeds, taking superfast coverage to 98% of the nation over the next few years (DCMS, Press Release, 20 August 2018, link).
• The Universal Service Obligation that will mean everyone in the UK has access to fast and affordable broadband by 2020, and the Government has recently set out plans to deliver nationwide gigabit capable (1000Mbps) connectivity by 2033 as part of the modern Industrial Strategy (DCMS, Press Release, 20 August 2018, link).