Government sets out plans for digital revolution

In his maiden speech on the media sector he said it was ‘a scandal’ that almost three million households cannot access 2Mbps broadband speeds, with Britain ranked 33^rd in the world when it comes to average connection speeds.

He confirmed three market testing projects would look at bringing super fast broadband to rural areas, acknowledging that access to the service was essential for rural businesses.

He said: “We have to make sure that the benefits of superfast broadband are available to everyone, including those in rural areas. 

“The action plan I have set out today will help create a broadband infrastructure for our country that meets the needs of all its citizens and businesses, and that will stand comparison with anywhere in the world.”

He said he had been made aware that a divide between rural and urban areas was opening up and he pledged to work closely with Defra secretary Caroline Spelman to bridge the gap.

Mrs Spelman said: “Providing effective broadband connections for rural communities is one of my top priorities.

“Broadband access for rural communities is essential if we are to provide the means for their economies and businesses to grow and to minimise the social digital divide for people living in rural areas.”

As part of Mr Hunt package of measures, he also confirmed plans to open up existing infrastructure to reduce the cost of digging up roads to lay internet fibres.

This will see firms laying new broadband lines given access to the ducts and poles of telecoms companies and well as sewers and other utility networks.

Mr Hunt welcomed plans from telecommunications regulator Ofcom to get BT to open up its infrastructure but warned if companies do not comply, he would be willing to bring in legislation.

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