Broadband rollout 'driving rural production boost'

Businesses operating in rural areas could see some distinct advantages following the rollout of superfast broadband in their area.

According to a new report from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), ongoing investment in rural communities is set to deliver a six per cent boost to employment in the years ahead - the equivalent of 300,000 jobs - and improved access to broadband services is seen as a key driver of this growth.

Overall, Defra's findings show rural communities could deliver a £35 billion boost to the economy, with the completion of ambitious broadband coverage targets of 95 per cent for all rural communities by 2017 at the heart of predicted growth.

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss stated: "This is a truly exciting time for rural communities, with the countryside set to become even more of an economic powerhouse for the UK, building our economic security."