Report - DCMS is stating that the EC will soon approve its state aid scheme for rural broadband

The BBC reports that the UK support scheme for rural broadband has finally been approved by the European Commission under the state aid rules. The scheme involves a total of £540 million in payments

A Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) spokesman was quoted as saying:

It is our understanding that the commission is on track to issue its final decision in late October or early November, which will allow projects to get under way,

However, the EC has yet to publish the UK approval on its list.

The designated bodies, local authorities in England and HIE in Scotland, cannot begin projects until full EC approval is given.