An MP from one of the most rural areas of the UK has spoken out about concerns regarding the exclusive nature of the government's Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) scheme.

Penrith MP Rory Stewart represents an area of Cumbria that has just learnt it will be introduced to a superfast 4G service courtesy of provider EE. He explained that any rural rollout projects agreed outside of BDUK are extremely difficult to secure.

He told the Farmers Guardian: "It is a hell of a fight because we have got to get the government into a position where we get the money to go as far as possible through a 'yes if' negotiation. For example, if you dig up a trench, we will put the mast up."

The EE service was given a temporary trial in a small pocket of the region near the market town of Keswick. Its success means that the network will now be extended throughout Cumbria, giving residents access to some of the fastest broadband speeds in the country.

A series of new communications masts will be erected along the 100-mile stretch that will be covered by the 4G network.

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