I'm not surprised.
Others part of Europe invests in their whole country. Perfect examples are Germany and Switzerland. The UK, which really is only England invests in London and London only.
Why are they building HS2.....to improve the train link in the country.....no.....its to benefit London and London only. Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and the other connections due to be on the line they don't give two hoots about.
As for Broadband, well ours on the whole beats the US but you never see the likes of Google Fibre over here unless Virgin pulls their finger out.