The UK government has admitted that there will be a delay in the rollout of the rural broadband target, according to guardian.co.uk

Original plans were to get superfast broadband to 90 per cent of the population, including rural areas, by 2015 but that target has now been delayed by another two years.

Households will now have to wait four years until they can have a high-speed Wi-Fi connection in their homes, with around five million being affected.

Managing director of fibre internet company Hyperoptic, Dana Tobak said: “The government’s indication that it will work more closely with the industry to innovate in this area is a step in the right direction, but will certainly require looking beyond just the dominant industry players and the same old solutions.”

According to ft.com, government proposals also include an overhaul of BDUK, the organisation charged with running the rural broadband programme.

After creating a complicated auction process for state subsidies that was eventually won by BT, BDUK was criticised for its implementation of the process.

The government has stated that the BDUK will be given more freedom and focus on delivery, as well as being equipped with the right skills to fulfil its purpose.