Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Politicians and community leaders in Devon are pressing the government to deliver a long-term rural broadband strategy, warning that thousands of homes could otherwise be left behind when current support schemes end.
A joint letter signed by Devon MPs and senior figures from organisations across the county urges ministers to put plans in place for hard-to-reach rural areas once existing funding programmes come to a close.
The letter was written by Devon County Council’s cabinet member for rural affairs and broadband, Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin (Liberal Democrat, Torrington Rural), and South Devon MP Caroline Voaden (Liberal Democrat).
They warn that although the Gigabit Project Voucher Scheme has been relaunched, it is due to end in early 2028. They say that after this point “there will be no national programme supporting rural connectivity in rural areas, leaving many hard-to-reach premises with no hope of improved connectivity”.
Th…
