A subsidised satellite broadband system is to be offered to around 300,000 homes and businesses with an internet connection slower than 2Mbps. They will be benefit from a £350 voucher towards their satellite installation and connection. This will reduce the upfront cost to £50 or less and for most customers, and should mean a better broadband connection is accessible within a week or so from order.

Avonline Broadband is the largest provider of satellite broadband services to the UK. Managing director Mark Wynn said:
"The Government is to be commended for acting to help those who cannot be reached under current superfast broadband plans. For many homes and businesses in rural areas satellite broadband is their only realistic solution of a better broadband connection over the next few years.

"In addition to the various schemes that will be available across the UK imminently, we will continue to offer better broadband solutions to anyone that wants them, anywhere in the UK, at the low prices, whether they are eligible for a scheme or not."

Satellite broadband's unique ‘available anywhere' technology can immediately deliver fast internet to any home or business, regardless of location or remoteness.

The scheme, which goes live during December, is part of the government's drive to give everyone in the country basic broadband of 10Mbps. Part of the government's Universal Service Obligation, it will be directed by Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK).

Digital minister Ed Vaizey said:
"This scheme offers immediate assistance to those homes and businesses in the most remote areas with the slowest speeds and is all part of our transformation of the UK's digital landscape."

Last month, Prime Minister David Cameron pledged that everyone in the country would have the legal right to a broadband connection of 10Mbps as part of the introduction of a new Universal Service Obligation (USO).

Mr Cameron said:
"Access to the internet shouldn't be a luxury; it should be a right - absolutely fundamental to life in 21st century Britain."

According to the recent Ofcom ‘Connected Nations 2015' report around 8% of UK homes - some 2.4m - are currently unable to receive speeds of 10Mbps or above. This increases to 48% - or 1.5m - in rural areas, where speeds are often affected by premises lying further from the network's local street cabinet or telephone exchange.

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