Fast broadband is vital in enabling businesses to create jobs as it opens up competition and boots regional economic growth. Constituents have previously contacted me regarding issues with broadband and that’s why I am particularly pleased to see Derbyshire will be a priority area for improving connectivity with the new superfast broadband.

A consultation has been launched on the draft procurement strategy for the UK Gigabit Programme which sets out plans to connect the first one million homes and businesses  with gigabit speed and maximise coverage in the hardest to reach 20% of the UK.  It would see speeds rocket from 30 megabits per second to 1,000 per second. Which is a vast improvement!

The plans will prioritise areas that are most likely to attract commercial investment but require subsidy to reach the hardest 40,000 to 80,000 in each area, this will include Derbyshire. In the recent spending review, £5 billion has been outlined to invest in upgrading Britain. It could help us level-up the UK as better broadband would improve job opportunities, benefit businesses and see the UK grow as we build back stronger.

South Derbyshire is a fantastic example of an area that could greatly benefit from this move, we maybe a predominantly rural area but it is a prime location for businesses and by improving broadband it would create jobs and provide a significant boost to our local economy.