Broadband Rural Wales 2023-07-19
2023-07-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to improve internet access in rural areas, particularly focusing on Delyn constituency and north Wales.
If she will take steps to improve rural connectivity in (a) Delyn constituency, (b) north Wales and (c) Wales. She emphasised the importance of connectivity for local communities and businesses.
Under Project Gigabit, we are launching procurements across Wales and the rest of the UK to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to rural and remote premises not included in suppliers' commercial plans. We are planning to launch a regional procurement for north Wales by the end of the year, which will include premises in my hon. Friend's constituency.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The question focuses on the varying levels of full-fibre broadband availability in different towns within Rob Roberts' constituency, with particular concern for the farming community's reliance on digital connectivity.
The towns of Flint and Holywell have 90% and 83% full-fibre connectivity respectively, but Mold has only 10%, and Northop has 2.6%. The Mold exchange serves many smaller villages and the vital farming sector in Delyn. The questioner asked what more can be done to improve connectivity so that rural areas do not suffer.
My hon. Friend is right to stress the importance of digital connectivity to rural communities and businesses. We are pressing ahead apace with Project Gigabit, and have appointed our hon. Friend the Member for Barrow and Furness (Simon Fell) as rural connectivity champion. At present, more than 98% of premises in Delyn have access to superfast broadband, while 62% have a gigabit-capable network, and our Project Gigabit procurements are intended to ensure that communities such as Northop and Mold do not miss out on gigabit-capable connection.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy