£10m rural broadband trial fund winners revealed

The government has revealed the winners of a £10m scheme to bring superfast broadband to the most remote rural areas of the UK.

Eight companies have been chosen to take part in a trial to test alternative ways of boosting slow broadband coverage in rural towns and cities.

The companies will pilot techniques to improve broadband coverage including fixed wireless and satellite technologies as part of the £10m Department of Culture Media and Sport initiative.

Locations chosen to test the technologies includeDevon, Somerset, Northumberland, Scotland and Wales .

The trials are aimed at finding ways to get superfast broadband to the last 5% of the country.

Rural affairs minister Dan Rogerson said: “It is critical that we explore how to get superfast broadband out to these hard to reach areas to allow business to be more productive, innovative and competitive, which is crucial for building a stronger rural economy and fairer society.”

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“It is critical that we explore how to get superfast broadband out to these hard to reach areas to allow business to be more productive, innovative and competitive, which is crucial for building a stronger rural economy and fairer society.”
Dan Rogerson, rural affairs minister

Farmers and rural campaign groups have welcomed the announcement, which comes six months before every farmer in England will be required to submit their single farm payment applications online.

Countryside Alliance head of policy Sarah Lee said: “This is very welcome news and a great stride forward in the drive to improve rural connectivity.

“We have always said that a mix of technologies, rather than fixed-line broadband, would answer the question of how to provide superfast broadband to the final 5% of homes and businesses in rural areas.

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“By using a variety of means – including wireless and satellite provision – and investigating different ways to fund these projects, we hope the government will find the key to improving broadband coverage in rural areas.

“We look forward to seeing the results of these trials. Superfast broadband is becoming as vital to communities as water and heating.”