Rural blackspots to get fast broadband in £289m scheme
The Guardian|January 07, 2025
The last corners of England and Wales yet to be covered by a £5bn push to widen fast broadband could finally get access to rapid downloads, streaming and video calls after the government announced £289m in new taxpayer-funded contracts.
Robert Booth

After some people in broadband blackspots were forced to turn to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite-enabled internet connections, the latest deals to boost connectivity should enable 131,000 households and businesses to get gigabit-level fibre coverage - allowing a high-definition film to be downloaded in about a minute.

Frustrated campaigners against the mostly rural-urban digital divide have warned for years that slow internet in the countryside inhibits business, restricts access to online health and education services, and can worsen social isolation.

The new contracts to lay full-fibre connections in areas not reached by private investment will apply in north Wales, including Anglesey, south-west Wales, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Devon, Somerset, Essex and the north-east of England, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) announced.

Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin January 07, 2025 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin January 07, 2025 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE GUARDIAN DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Arsenal hold Rosicky talks over sporting director role
The Guardian

Arsenal hold Rosicky talks over sporting director role

Tomas Rosicky is a leading contender to become Arsenal's sporting director, although any return to his former club would probably be put on hold until the end of the season.

time-read
1 min  |
January 08, 2025
The Guardian

United Ponder January Sales Club Open to Mainoo and Højlund Offers

Manchester United will listen to serious offers for any of Ruben Amorim's squad, including Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund, who were previously deemed untouchable.

time-read
1 min  |
January 08, 2025
Cunha ban cut for offering to buy victim new glasses
The Guardian

Cunha ban cut for offering to buy victim new glasses

Matheus Cunha had a ban for scuffling with an Ipswich staff member reduced after the Wolves forward offered to buy the man a new pair of glasses.

time-read
1 min  |
January 08, 2025
Isak and Gordon pounce to put Newcastle firmly in driving seat
The Guardian

Isak and Gordon pounce to put Newcastle firmly in driving seat

The irony will surely not be lost on Mikel Arteta. On a night when his side were hoping to put one foot in the Carabao Cup final, it was Alexander Isak - a striker that the Arsenal manager has long coveted - who did the damage as Newcastle secured a famous victory.

time-read
3 dak  |
January 08, 2025
Liverpool have not stolen a single point, claims Slot
The Guardian

Liverpool have not stolen a single point, claims Slot

Arne Slot believes Liverpool have shown they possess the quality and depth to sustain a quadruple challenge and avoid the tail-off that Jürgen Klopp's side had last season.

time-read
2 dak  |
January 08, 2025
Postecoglou backs Son and says even Salah would struggle at Spurs
The Guardian

Postecoglou backs Son and says even Salah would struggle at Spurs

Manager points to lack of creativity in team as reason for South Korean's poor form

time-read
3 dak  |
January 08, 2025
Tesla, Twitter ... and the Reds? Musk eyes deal
The Guardian

Tesla, Twitter ... and the Reds? Musk eyes deal

The father of the world's richest man, Elon Musk, claims his son would be interested in buying Liverpool.

time-read
1 min  |
January 08, 2025
The Guardian

Transfer roundup Palace and Ipswich battle for £20m Doak

Crystal Palace and Ipswich are set to test Liverpool's resolve to keep Ben Doak by making improved bids worth £20m for the Scotland forward.

time-read
1 min  |
January 08, 2025
Everton owners right to be looking at manager options, says Dyche
The Guardian

Everton owners right to be looking at manager options, says Dyche

Sean Dyche has said Everton's new owners should be exploring managerial options because he has not won enough games this season to keep the pressure off.

time-read
2 dak  |
January 08, 2025
The Guardian

Lopetegui in limbo as Potter demand stalls Hammers deal

Julen Lopetegui is in limbo after West Ham's move to replace their manager stalled over Graham Potter's demand for a two-and-a-half-year contract.

time-read
1 min  |
January 08, 2025