IET: Broadband boost promised in Autumn Statement will help UK to catch up with other countries

Better broadband networks in 10 cities across the UK are being promised by the government

In his autumn statement, Chancellor George Osborne announced £5bn of spending on infrastructure projects such as roads, railways and broadband networks. £100 million of that sum is set to boost broadband coverage in London, Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff. A further six cities will be identified later.

The commitment has been welcomed by Europe’s largest engineers’ body, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Naomi Climer, IET Vice President said: “This announcement is good news for improving UK business productivity and closing the digital divide.

“Improved broadband will help the UK to build on its heritage of world class creative content and applications. It’s a step in the right direction to catch-up with the capacity in other countries such as Korea, Singapore and Japan.”

Ends

Expert spokespeople are available for interview and comment.
The IET is Europe’s largest professional body of engineers with over 150,000 members in 127 countries.
The IET is a professional home for life for its members and supports them throughout their careers.
For more information, visit www.theiet.org.

Media enquiries to:
Robert Beahan, Media Relations Manager
T: +44 (0)1438 767336
M: +44 (0)7595 400912
E : rbeahan@theiet.org