Prime Minister in Shropshire superfast broadband pledge

Mr Cameron announced a commitment to connect the entire county by the end of his term in power in 2020.

Writing in the Shropshire Star, he said: "Access to the internet is a necessity, like gas, electricity and water. But for too long, too many people in Shropshire have been denied it. Today, that changes."

The Star last month revealed the campaign to roll out superfast broadband to all of Shropshire has completed two thirds of its initial phase of work.

Connecting Shropshire, a stand-alone organisation set up to deliver fast internet, says it has connected 40,000 homes and businesses so far and hopes to soon connect another 20,000.

But the organisation, set up by Shropshire Council, BT and the government's BDUK campaign, admits there will be many gaps left in the county, even after it completes its current work in 2018.

Today Mr Cameron outlined plans for a "universal service obligation" for broadband, putting it on a similar footing as other basic services like water and electricity.

He said: "Access to the internet shouldn't be a luxury; it should be a right – absolutely fundamental to life in 21st century Britain. Just as our forebears effectively brought gas, electricity and water to all, we're going to bring fast broadband to every home and business that wants it."

Telford MP Lucy Allan reacted with delight to the news on Twitter:

Since the beginning of the last parliament, the number of UK homes and businesses with access to superfast broadband has increased from 45 per cent to more than 83 per cent. The figure should reach 95 per cent by 2017 and the final five per cent should be connected by 2020.

The Prime Minister said: "This ambition means that any household or business has the right to request fast internet access and, unless it's especially expensive to set up, they will get it."

The Prime Minister writes:

"Access to the internet is a necessity, like gas, electricity and water. But for too long, too many people in Shropshire have been denied it.

Today, that changes. I'm announcing a major step in my digital mission for Britain: a pledge to get Britain – all of Britain – online, and connected to fast broadband.

Since we came to office in 2010, the number of households with access to superfast broadband has increased from 45 per cent to 83 per cent. We're on track to reach 95 per cent of homes by 2017 – a key part of my long-term economic plan to bring more jobs, skills, growth and opportunities to the people of this country.

Today I'm talking about how we'll finish the job – how we'll make sure the hardest to reach, most remote areas have fast broadband access, too. A big part of the answer is a Universal Service Obligation, just like we have for other essential services, for the post and for telephone lines. This ambition means that any household or business has the right to request fast internet access and, unless it's especially expensive to set up, they will get it.

Why is this so important? Because, like the coming of the railways in the 19th century and the expansion of the telephone network in the 20th century, the internet is this century's engine of progress. Britain is already the most digitised major country in Europe – the best for broadband coverage, take-up, use, choice and price.

You can stream Netflix on the Norfolk Broads; download iTunes on the Isles of Scilly; Skype in Stornoway; browse Amazon on Anglesey. But in Shropshire many simply cannot access effective broadband.

I am determined to make sure everyone is able to do these things. And for good reason. Just think of all the jobs that can be created here if businesses are able to set up anywhere; all the tourists and visitors that would be attracted to this great county if it has the facilities they need; all the families that would move here and boost the economy.

Quite simply, universal service is vital to the future of Shropshire, where there has been a concerted campaign for better broadband.

After the election in May, I stood on the steps of Downing Street and promised we would govern for One Nation – for every part of Britain. That means delivering the jobs people need, the skills that will help them succeed, the sound economy that gives them security, and the infrastructure – like broadband – which is so fundamental to life in the 21st century.

That's what today's announcement is all about: ensuring everyone, whoever they are, wherever they are, can get online, and get on in life."