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<p>Digital connectivity is a clear priority for this Government, and we compare well
to other EU countries. BDUK’s Superfast programme will provide at least 24 Megabits
per second (Mbps) coverage to 95% of the UK by the end of this year. According to
the latest data, published on <a href="http://thinkbroadband.com/" target="_blank">thinkbroadband.com</a>,
UK coverage at 30Mbps is 92.6%.</p><p> </p><p>The European Commission, in their 2017
report "Europe's Digital Progress", state that the EU average for 30Mbps
coverage is just 76%.</p><p> </p><p>In terms of 100Mbps coverage, thinkbroadband report
that for the UK this currently stands at 52.8%. We are keen to ensure even better
digital connectivity in the UK, and we announced a package of measures worth £1.1
billion at Autumn Statement 2016 to support this:</p><ul><li>The Digital Infrastructure
Investment Fund, which was launched on 3 July and will provide finance for new fibre
investments.</li><li>The Local Full Fibre Networks programme, which will support local
bodies in stimulating the market for fibre connectivity in their areas.</li><li>A
Bill to enable business rates relief for new fibre build.</li></ul><p> </p><p>Together,
these investments and incentives will stimulate the market to deliver the increase
in capacity that is needed.</p><p> </p><p>Homes and businesses across the UK could
- if they chose - upgrade to at least superfast speeds. Anyone can check what speeds
are available to them by entering their postcode at <a href="http://gosuperfastchecker.culture.gov.uk/"
target="_blank">http://gosuperfastchecker.culture.gov.uk</a>.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong><br>
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