LOCAL MP WELCOMES FURTHER INCREASE IN EDDISBURY GIGABIT BROADBAND COVERAGE

Edward Timpson MP has welcomed the news that 74.3% of Eddisbury now has access to Gigabit broadband thanks to investment from the Government.

80% of the UK now has access to high-speed internet connectivity as the UK’s next major connectivity milestone is reached, as the Government delivers on its promise to grow the economy whilst making life easier for people through access to faster broadband. 

The Government announced Project Gigabit in 2019—a flagship £5 billion programme to enable hard-to-reach communities to access lightning-fast Gigabit-capable broadband. 

Thanks to the hard work of the telecoms industry and Government action, Gigabit coverage across the UK has increased rapidly in recent years—from one in ten households in 2019, to eight in ten today. 

This means the majority of premises can access Gigabit-capable networks, and is a significant improvement in a short timeframe, meaning the UK is currently building Gigabit networks faster than any European Union country. 

The Government is working with broadband suppliers and sticking to its long-term plan to achieve at least 85 per cent Gigabit coverage of the UK by 2025, and full coverage nationwide by 2030. 

Better connectivity boosts productivity for businesses, unlocking new digital opportunities for people in every corner of the country, helping to grow the economy and create a brighter future for all. 

Commenting, Eddisbury MP, Edward Timpson said: 

“It’s brilliant news for both households and businesses in Eddisbury that Gigabit broadband coverage has now increased to 74.3 per cent of the constituency, thanks to the work of the telecoms industry and Government action. 

“This work represents one of my key election pledges at the last election, and the effort pushing for increased coverage in Westminster has been worthwhile. Significantly more Eddisbury residents people can now enjoy better internet connectivity, making their lives easier and more productive.” 

Technology Secretary, the Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP, added: 

“This is another giant leap forward in our mission to bring Gigabit connectivity to every part of the UK, with 80 per cent of the country now able to benefit from lightning-fast broadband. 

“Access to Gigabit speeds doesn't just mean being able to seamlessly stream films, TV shows, and shop online all at once—it means better productivity for businesses, and new opportunities for local communities with digital infrastructure which will help power our economy, create jobs, and improve lives for decades to come.” 

• The Conservative Government announced Project Gigabit in 2019. Project Gigabit is the Government’s flagship £5 billion programme to enable hard-to-reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband (Building Digital UK, Guidance, 16 June 2023). 

• Thanks to action from the telecoms industry and the Government, 80 per cent of the country now has access to high-speed internet connectivity as the UK’s next major connectivity milestone is reached. Gigabit coverage across the UK has increased rapidly in recent years—from one in ten households in 2019 to eight in ten today (Local Broadband Information, accessed 15 January 2024). 

• The Government is working with broadband suppliers to achieve at least 85 per cent Gigabit coverage of the UK by 2025, and then nationwide coverage by 2030 (House of Commons Library, Gigabit Broadband FAQs, 2 August 2023). 

• Gigabit broadband represents a connectivity revolution, with download speeds of around 1,000 Mbps—allowing people to stream, download, and shop online across several devices at once (House of Commons Library, Gigabit Broadband FAQs, 2 August 2023). 

Pictured - Edward Timpson MP.