Government announces funding for rural broadband

Northern Ireland is to receive an additional £4.4 million (€5 million) in funding for the rollout of high-speed broadband in rural areas, culture secretary Jeremy Hunt has announced.

The Northern Ireland Executive will use the money to connect homes not covered by its existing broadband rollout. It has promised to provide everyone in the province with a minimum of 2Mbps.

Yesterday Hunt unveiled a £362 million fund to improve broadband in underserved areas in England, Scotland and Wales. The funds come out of the £530 million commitment announced by chancellor George Osborne earlier this year.