Such approval was needed because the project is partially state-aided. The green light means councils can now begin laying cables that will bring super-fast speeds to rural areas although many are yet to choose a network provider.
Culture secretary Maria Miller intervened last week after several months of delays in Europe. "Finally getting the green light from Brussels will mean a huge boost for the British economy," she said. "Today's announcement means that we can crack on with delivering broadband plans, boosting growth and jobs around the country," she added.
The government has pledged to connect everyone to speeds of at least 2Mbps by 2015. It has set aside £530m to help fund rural roll-outs. Councils must also contribute funding as will the provider they choose to lay the networks. Some believe the government faces an uphill job to hit its 2015 target.
Source: BBC News
