The government has announced what it describes as a “major broadband upgrade” for thousands of rural properties based in Oxfordshire and North East Staffordshire.

As part of £43 million UK government funding, around 16,000 homes across the two areas will be upgraded with “lightning-fast broadband”.

Backed by £26.5 million, around 10,000 homes and businesses in rural Oxfordshire communities including Stoke Row, Somerton and North Aston will benefit from fast and reliable broadband connections.

£16.5 million will see around 6,000 rural properties in North East Staffordshire including Longnor, Marchington and Alstonefield receive internet speeds more than 30 times faster than superfast broadband.

The government says that with gigabit-capable broadband, these households will no longer have to "struggle with limited bandwidth", and businesses will be able to "improve their productivity with none of the disruptions associated with ageing copper networks".

The investment forms part of the government’s £5 billion Project Gigabit, which aims to ensure people have the same access to high-speed broadband wherever they live, work and study.

“We want to make sure that no matter where you live or work, everyone has access to reliable internet which is why we’re spending billions to upgrade local networks," said minister for data and digital infrastructure, Sir John Whittingdale. "In rural Oxfordshire and North East Staffordshire, thousands will experience the positive impact fast and reliable broadband has as their connectivity improves, supporting households and businesses, fostering growth and boosting productivity."

Whittingdale continued: "Work will now begin in these areas covering around 16,000 properties and by facilitating the fastest connections, we are not just reaping the benefits now but positioning the UK for a future where our broadband infrastructure remains resilient for decades to come.”

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