HOMES across the South East are set to benefit from plans to boost connectivity in hard to reach areas.

Openreach has unveiled its plans to build "ultrafast full-fibre" broadband to at least three million more homes and businesses across the country, including the South East.

The company’s updated build plan is said to be "fundamental" to the Government achieving its target of delivering ‘gigabit capable broadband’ to 85 per cent of UK by 2025.

Now, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), a membership organisation for owners of land, property and businesses in rural areas, has welcomed the news.

CLA South East represents thousands of farmers, landowners and rural businesses in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

Regional Director Michael Valenzia said: “This announcement is a real boost for millions more rural homes who are set to benefit from faster broadband.

“The countryside has tremendous economic potential to create more jobs and attract new rural businesses, but this can’t be achieved without improved connectivity. Unlocking the digital potential of the countryside could be worth billions of pounds to the economy.”

The plans will see Openreach build Full Fibre technology to a total of 25 million premises, including more than six million in many ‘not spots’ across the country.

Openreach said on its website: "Our aim is to support the Government’s strategy, as set out in the Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review, to accelerate commercial full fibre network investment across the UK as well as giving our stakeholders (like council leaders, planners, MPs, our CP customers and the general public) a view of where and when we intend to build."