Rural Connectivity 2024-01-10
2024-01-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the importance of improving digital connectivity in rural areas to avoid leaving these regions behind.
What steps is her Department taking to improve rural connectivity?
Great digital connectivity is now absolutely vital to people's life chances and we do not want rural areas to be left behind. That is why we are putting £2 billion into gigabit, so that it is in every corner of the country. We are putting cash into satellites for the hardest to reach bits. We have a plan for mobile operators to get much more phone coverage.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expressed interest in further advice to champion specific rural communities facing challenges with poor digital connectivity.
What further advice can she give to a colleague keen to champion specific rural communities facing challenges with poor digital connectivity?
First, I want to reassure my hon. Friend that a lot of work is being done on gigabit and mobile reception for rural areas. There is a regional procurement under way that covers his constituency and a neighbouring one. He is clearly doing something right, because Walsall North has 92% gigabit-capable coverage, compared with a national average of 79%. All I would say to Tamworth is: take note.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide concrete advice beyond reassurances and comparisons.
Reassures
Compare
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about the difficulty of securing a Project Gigabit contract for Lancashire and sought assurance that timelines would not slip.
What steps is she taking to ensure that timescales do not slip and that we can see installation under way for the second half of this year, as currently planned?
I thank my hon. Friend for holding me to account and I very much share his sense of urgency. His constituency has 86% gigabit-capable coverage, so it is above the average, but none the less I understand the frustration that people have when their premises are not covered. I reassure him that I raised this matter with BDUK yesterday. We expect that procurement to be sorted in the summer.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete steps beyond raising the issue and providing general timeline.
Reassures
Sense Of Urgency
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about the delivery of rural broadband in Scotland and the lack of progress under the Reaching 100% scheme.
What discussions has she had with the Scottish Government about dealing with the pause implemented on BDUK?
I appreciate my hon. Friend's work in this area. He is a tremendous champion for his constituency. I spoke to the Scottish Government before I went on maternity leave and asked for an update when I spoke to BDUK yesterday. Progress is being made.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide concrete details of discussions or actions taken.
Reassures
Update
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about the village of Bryncethin in his constituency, where three streets still do not have connectivity despite promises from BT Broadband.
Will the Minister point out to BT Broadband again that the position needs to be rectified quickly?
As the hon. Gentleman will know, things are changing in Wales because the Welsh Government are starting to take some of the contracts in-house. That work is under way, but I am happy to look into that specific issue with Openreach on his behalf.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the need for BT Broadband to rectify quickly.
Changing Approach
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP criticized the delay and increased costs of the emergency services network upgrade programme.
Does the Minister agree that it is a disgrace that the emergency services network upgrade programme is seven years late and now has a budget of more than £11 billion?
The hon. Gentleman is right to highlight the vital importance of ensuring that the emergency services network is up and running and that it is robust, particularly in rural areas. I am not aware of the specific issues in his constituency—I am happy to look into them—but as far as I am aware, the programme is on track.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address delays or budget increases directly.
Agrees
Check Specific Issues
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questioned the accuracy of maps showing partial notspots in relation to actual experiences of constituents.
What will the Minister do to improve the data that companies use for deciding where to put their improved services?
That is an important issue, and we have raised it with Ofcom because we share the hon. Lady's concern that the data is not good enough and is not being reflected in constituents' actual experiences. I am very alive to this problem and want it to be put right.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete measures or timeline for improving data accuracy.
Raise With Ofcom
Response accuracy