Rural Connectivity 2023-11-15
2023-11-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need for improved broadband infrastructure in rural areas, particularly highlighting specific towns and villages facing challenges.
What steps her Department is taking to improve rural connectivity. My Sedgefield constituency has faced many trials and tribulations in trying to get rural broadband, particularly in Killerby, Summerhouse and Mordon. When I last met the leader of Building Digital UK, I was encouraged about progress. Can the Minister reassure me that he also believes that progress is being made?
We have announced 12 Project Gigabit contracts to extend gigabit-capable networks and are jointly investing over £1 billion with the industry to encourage 4G mobile coverage. In the north-east, there has been faster growth of gigabit broadband coverage than in any other region of the UK. A contract will be signed shortly for further improvements including in Killerby, Summerhouse and Mordon.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need for improved broadband infrastructure in rural areas, particularly highlighting specific towns and villages facing challenges.
My Sedgefield constituency has faced many trials and tribulations in trying to get rural broadband, particularly in Killerby, Summerhouse and Mordon. When I last met the leader of Building Digital UK, I was encouraged about progress. Can the Minister reassure me that he also believes that progress is being made?
In the north-east as a whole, we have seen faster growth of gigabit broadband coverage than in any other region. I am encouraged to hear of his discussions with BDUK and hope that a contract will be signed shortly for further improvements including in Killerby, Summerhouse and Mordon.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need for improved broadband infrastructure in rural areas, particularly highlighting specific towns and villages facing challenges.
Northleigh is like many other villages in rural Devon in that it has been waiting eight years for superfast broadband. There are 51 houses in Northleigh that are still waiting to be connected. Residents and small businesses are subject to constant emails saying, “Use your vouchers,” but they cannot because contractors are unaccountable. Does the Minister agree with my constituents that the voucher scheme is ineffective and should be scrapped?
The voucher scheme has delivered gigabit broadband to thousands of constituents up and down the country. At the same time, we are rolling out the procurement contract. I know there are particular challenges in Honiton and Sidmouth but we have extended gigabit coverage to 78% of the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP's specific ask about whether the voucher scheme is ineffective and should be scrapped was not directly addressed.
I Do Not Agree With That.
Response accuracy