But the union for managers and professionals in the communications, digital and media sector expressed disappointment that a further £250m allocated in the 2013 spending round via the BBC licence fee will not be brought forward.

Deputy General Secretary Dai Hudd said: "We welcome the government's decision in today's National Infrastructure Plan to allocate funding to the private sector for finding innovative solutions to making it easier for more people to access broadband in areas that are difficult to reach.

"It is a small recognition of the important role that BT has played to date in rolling out this vital programme. But it is still inadequate in the face of the obstacles that remain.

"The government rightly recognises that a fast, reliable and affordable digital communications network is indispensable. The UK desperately needs investment in superfast broadband for social, economic and employment reasons, but we need it now; not some time in the future."