David Cameron backs investment in fibre broadband

David Cameron has expressed his belief that fibre optic broadband and other forms of super-fast connectivity are vital in giving a boost to the economy.

In Prime Minister's Questions yesterday (April 27th 2011), Mr Cameron was asked by Waveney MP Peter Aldous whether he thought investment in faster broadband in Suffolk was important to aid the county's recovery.

Mr Aldous claimed Suffolk is one of the worst-served areas in the UK in terms of broadband access, with almost a fifth of businesses receiving speeds of less than 2Mbps.

Responding to the enquiry, the prime minister said his Conservative Party colleague was "absolutely right", adding: "We must put this investment in.

"Particularly in rural areas, broadband is going to be absolutely vital in driving the creation of the small businesses and growing businesses."

Under the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition's plans, £830 million will be invested in broadband projects across the country.

The government is looking to create Europe's best super-fast broadband network by 2015.