INCA welcomes Chancellor Philip Hammond’s additional funding of £250 million and pledges to use it to connect some of the most remote parts of the country to super-fast fibre broadband.
During the budget announcement, Hammond stated that he intends to place a renewed emphasis on UK-wide technology investments with funds being allocated to develop next-generation broadband networks in rural schools, libraries and homes and businesses.
INCA CEO Malcolm Corbett said the extra funding comes at what is a critical time for the UK’s digital infrastructure and it will ensure alternative network providers (altnets) can continue to make an impact by encouraging the deployment of new networks.
“While the UK is already making significant progress in connecting the UK’s unconnected, with altnets taking on a significant role, this funding provides a boost to underserved communities and gives reassurance that these areas will not be left behind,” said Corbett. “I have every confidence that the UK’s altnet community will see this as a good opportunity and will work quickly and effectively to ensure the money pledged by the Government is put to good use.
“We are pleased to see such a commitment from the government to provide full fibre connectivity at previously underserved locations – there is no reason why most of the UK cannot be served by full fibre and our members are fully supportive of making this happen.”
Corbett made his comments ahead of INCA’s Annual Conference, which takes place in London on Monday, November 5th and Tuesday, November 6th. The conference will feature keynotes, panel discussions and parallel workshops to discuss the UK’s future digital infrastructure and how the altnets are meeting demand for upcoming trends such as 5G.