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<p>Currently, over 89% of premises in the Somerton and Frome constituency can access
a superfast broadband connection. Over 51% have access to a gigabit-capable connection
and 38% have fibre to the premises.</p><p>The Government is committed to working with
broadband suppliers to ensure 85% of UK premises can access gigabit-capable broadband
by 2025, and then for nationwide coverage by 2030. We are on track to achieve our
target.</p><p>As part of Project Gigabit, the Government’s £5 billion mission to deliver
lightning-fast, reliable broadband across the UK, we have begun launching procurements
that give subsidies to broadband suppliers to build gigabit-capable infrastructure
to premises that will not be reached by suppliers’ commercial plans alone. In the
coming months, we plan to launch a procurement that will improve broadband connectivity
for premises in Somerton and Frome.</p><p>Constituents in Somerton and Frome have
also made excellent use of the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme which provides a subsidy
of up to £4,500 for residents and businesses towards the cost of installing gigabit-capable
broadband. More than 960 premises in Somerton and Frome have received a fast, reliable
connection through the voucher scheme, worth over £1.5 million.</p>
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