An MP from Cumbria has claimed the government should reconsider its policies regarding the rollout of fibre optic broadband in the UK.

The MP for Westmoreland and Lonsdale Tim Farron warned the government must do more to combat the commercial objectives of service providers. He feels they exclude rural areas like Cumbria, which have less dense populations.

He said: "We need the government to be stronger and force them to deliver better and quicker broadband for rural communities in Cumbria."

His comments have come following a report published by the cross-party Public Accounts Committee, which criticised the rollout project for breeding a lack of competition between service providers.

So far, every contract for the installation of superfast services has been awarded to BT, spawning accusations the company has been given too much commercial power.

BT receives subsidies from the government to help fund the installation projects. The report also questioned the accuracy of some of the telecoms giant's estimations regarding the costs of setting up connections.

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