Homes and businesses across England are set to benefit from
better broadband thanks to new laws introduced by the Government
today.
The Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill is paving the way for
a gold standard of full-fibre broadband and future 5G
communications. By enabling 100% business rates relief for
operators who install new fibre on their networks, the Bill will
incentivise operators to invest in the broadband network.
By seeking to improve the speed, service quality, security and
reliability of broadband services, the Bill has the potential to
transform the way in which modern businesses work together, reach
their consumers and target their export markets.
The benefits of better broadband will be felt wider than
businesses. It will also increase internet speeds for households
and enable households with multiple devices and users to download
and upload huge amounts of data. For example, simultaneously
streaming high definition tv and films, playing online games, and
working from home quicker and more reliably than ever before.
These measures will provide important support for a more
productive economy and boost the prospects for economic growth.
Minister for Local Government said:
“Regardless of where you live or work, we want everyone to
benefit from access to the fast, affordable and reliable
broadband they need to thrive.
“From making it easier to work from home to allowing digital
businesses to flourish, our measures are creating the right
conditions for more high-skilled, high-paid jobs of the future.
“We’ve already committed £400 million for a new digital
infrastructure fund and this Government’s Digital Strategy is
helping bring together business organisations, local authorities
and communications providers.
“Now the Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill is going one step
further to kick start the installation of new fibre, paving the
way for better connectivity across the country.”
Minister of State for Digital, said:
"We want Britain to remain the digital world leader that it is,
and that means having the right infrastructure in place that will
allow us keep up with the rapid advances in technology now and in
the future.
“We want to see more commercial investment in the gold standard
connectivity that full-fibre provides, and the 100% business rate
relief and the Digital Infrastructure investment fund will
provide a strong incentive for this."
Building on £400 million Digital Infrastructure
Investment Fund
At the 2016 Autumn Statement, the Government announced £1 billion
of new funding to boost the UK’s digital infrastructure. This
includes investment of £400 million in a new Digital
Infrastructure Investment Fund to support emerging fibre
broadband providers.
Today’s announcement builds on the recent, pioneering new Digital
Strategy, which has skills, infrastructure and innovation at its
heart to support Britain’s world-leading digital economy.
As we make the most of the opportunities presented by exiting the
European Union, it will help to make the UK the best place to
start and run a digital business – creating more of the
high-skilled, high-paid jobs of the future.
This 100% rate relief for new full fibre infrastructure in
England will apply for five years and be backdated to 1 April
2017. The relief will provide £60 million of It will support to
telecom companies who invest in their fibre network by installing
new fibre lines to support our digital infrastructure.
More information on the Bill is available here.
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AND WE WILL ORGANISE IT
