Changes to the government’s self-imposed target for delivering gigabit broadband to 100% of the country have taken broadband industry leaders by surprise. Confusion also reigned over whether the original commitment to provide £5bn of public funding for hard to reach areas had been watered down to £1.2bn.

The Independent Networks Cooperative Association (INCA), has welcomed the Government’s plans to increase investment in workplace training and apprenticeships, as part of its plan to avoid a rise in youth unemployment and to address the growing skills shortage in the sector.

The UK’s independent network sector has been praised for its significant contribution as the country was revealed as one of the fastest growers in Europe for delivering fibre networks to homes and businesses.