Superfast broadband programme two years late

The Government’s broadband programme, which aims to make  superfast broadband available across the UK, will be two years late.

According to the National Audit Office, only nine out of 44 local projects are expected to reach their original target of providing 90% superfast coverage by May 2015.

In addition, a number of providers have withdrawn from the bidding and competition has been limited so that BT is likely to win all 44 local projects.

The delay is partly because gaining approval for the project under EU State aid rules took six months longer than expected.

Targets having been revised, ministers now expect to secure delivery of the rural broadband programme by December 2016, as well as 95% superfast coverage by 2017.