Fifth of buildings in BCP can't access fast internet

Figures from Ofcom reveal some properties across the conurbation cannot access fast internet speeds, at 300mb/second. 

High-speed internet was a key part of the government’s levelling up agenda, with the promise by the Conservative party in the 2019 general election of gigabit broadband. 

Read more: Fastest and slowest internet speeds across BCP revealed

This target was later revised down to 85 per cent by 2025, with full coverage by 2030. 

The broadband, capable of download speeds of 1000mb/second, will be made available nationwide by 2025. 

As of January, more than 160,000 properties, or 81 per cent of BCP, could access ultrafast broadband. 

Image from PA

Across the south west, 9,388 homes were below the minimum standard for broadband speed. 

Ofcom said while new fibre-optic broadband had improved internet speeds for millions, some remain at risk of being left behind. 

A spokesperson said: “Some homes in hard-to-reach areas still struggle to get decent broadband, so there’s more work to do to make sure these communities get the connections they need.”  

Read more: Rural primary schools to get broadband upgrade in £82 million scheme

A spokesperson for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said: "We've put more cash into broadband rollout than any government in British history  

“More than 97% of UK premises can access superfast broadband, which meets people's current needs, but we are determined to not leave anyone behind.  

“Since the USO gave people the legal right to a decent internet connection two years ago more than 89,000 premises have been upgraded.  

“We're also prioritising these hard-to-reach areas for lightning-fast gigabit broadband through our record £5 billion Project Gigabit, with 600,000 premises already connected.”