Countryside overtakes urban areas in broadband uptake

Rural Britain has overtaken urban areas in terms of broadband internet connections for the first time, according to a survey by media watchdog Ofcom.

The number of homes with high-speed connections increased to 59 per cent in rural areas compared to 57 per cent in urban areas.

Ofcom said the findings signalled the end of fears of a “digital divide” between the countryside and urban areas.