In building a world-class infrastructure for Britain after Brexit, we should not focus only on roads, railways and airports. Of even greater importance is the need for this country to have a world-class fibre optic broadband network.

Digital networks and services underpin every aspect of the UK’s economy. Businesses big and small across all sectors rely on ultrafast internet connections to collaborate on complex projects across multiple locations, manage supply chains and conduct online transactions.

Bandwidth requirements are increasing at an exponential rate as video usage grows rapidly and the so-called “internet of things” — network intelligence connecting millions of devices and machines from remote sensors in flood zones to driverless cars — enters the mainstream.

Ultrafast broadband is also becoming a domestic necessity, as