'Superfast' broadband rollout creates new jobs and £9bn economy boost

Recent research has shown that local businesses in areas, covered by the government’s rollout of ‘superfast’ broadband, have seen a combined £9bn increase in turnover since the boost to their broadband speed.

‘The Evaluation of the Economic Impact and Public Value of the Superfast Broadband Programme’ is an independent assessment of the impact the rollout has had in its first years from 2012 to 2016.

So far, the key findings are said to include a £690m net increase in Gross Value Added for the UK’s economy, as well as a reduction of 9,000 individuals claiming jobseekers allowance.

Minister for digital, Margot James, said: “Our rollout of superfast broadband across the UK has been the most challenging infrastructure project in a generation but is one of our greatest successes.

“We are reaching thousands more homes and businesses every week, that can now reap the clear and tangible benefits that superfast broadband provides. We are helping to ensure the downfall of the digital divide.”

Take-up of the new technology in areas benefiting from the government programme is now running at 45 per cent.

It is now estimated that more than one million extra UK homes and businesses will gain access to ‘powerful’ speeds, taking such coverage to 98 per cent of the nation over the next few years.

Openreach’s CEO, Clive Selley, added: “It is great to see businesses across the UK reaping the benefits of faster broadband speeds and I’m proud of the role that Openreach has played in helping to deliver the government’s [scheme].”