Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 25
25
The Department regards 0.3% of premises in the UK as being “very hard to reach,...
Conclusion
The Department regards 0.3% of premises in the UK as being “very hard to reach, ” and acknowledged that these do not feature within its target of achieving full national coverage by 2030.77 These are typically the most rural and remote premises within the hardest to reach areas of the country, where the costs of delivering broadband are exponentially higher than in other areas and where traditional fibre-based approaches are unlikely to work.78 The Department estimated that this equates to about 134,000 premises.79
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
6.5 In March 2021, a call for evidence was made to explore all possible options for improving broadband connectivity for these Very Hard to Reach premises. The government published its response in February 2022 bringing together its analysis and evidence from stakeholders. 6.6 This evidence will be used to assess policy options to understand how best to address the small minority of premises that will be beyond the scope of the programme and unable to access gigabit-capable connections. The department will publish further details later this year. 6.7 As part of its assessment process, the department will consider all available solutions and technology types. As equipment improves and technology standards are updated, it will continue to engage with stakeholders to understand how these technologies can best address Very Hard to Reach premises. 6.8 The department will address this recommendation in its letter to the Committee.