The National Audit Office (NAO) has moved investigate the publicly funded rural broadband programme, designed to provide superfast broadband to businesses and households throughout the UK.

The investigation comes as the broadband delivery programme receives criticism for providing a effective monopoly to BT, with the telecommunications giant having received all contracts currently available through the programme.

The UK government has provided £530 million in subsidies to fund the project, with the aim of having the “best superfast broadband network in Europe by 2015” according to the NAO.

The NAO have said the report: “examines how well the Department has designed the rural broadband programme and the extent to which its safeguards assure value for money. It also considers whether the 2015 targets for rural broadband provision are likely to be met."

Ofcom launches investigation into BT following complaint

BT end of year results beat expectations