Openreach is committing to build its new ultrafast broadband network for 3.2 million homes and businesses in some of the UK’s hardest-to-serve communities.

The company said it was part of a £12 billion investment programme aimed at delivering full fibre broadband to 20 million premises throughout the UK by the mid-to-late 2020s.

Openreach also published a list of 251 locations where it will build the new full fibre network over the next three years.

Clive Selley, chief executive of Openreach, said: “This year we’ve all seen the importance of having a decent broadband connection, and at Openreach we’re convinced that full fibre technology can underpin the UK’s economic recovery.

“We’re determined to find inventive engineering solutions and effective partnership funding models to reduce costs and enable us to connect as many communities as possible across the UK without public subsidy.

“Openreach is leading the charge to help Government achieve its target of making gigabit capable networks available nationwide by 2025.

“We hope that by publishing our own plans, we can help ensure that taxpayers only fund connections in communities that really need public support.”

Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “Fast and secure internet connections will be a vital tool to help our economy recover and we have committed £5 billion to make sure the hardest-to-reach areas of the UK aren’t left behind.

“Today’s announcement is a significant step forward, with Openreach delivering better broadband so 3.2 million families and businesses can work and enjoy faster speeds.”