Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted that broadband speeds are lagging in her constituency, affecting economic opportunities and daily life. She referenced specific data showing disparities in internet access between North Shropshire and other areas.
Under this Government, broadband speeds are anything but levelled up. For example, the average download speed in North Shropshire is just 49 megabits per second. In Tiverton and Honiton it is just 43 megabits per second, which is half the national average of 86 megabits per second and 60% slower than the average speed in London. The Prime Minister reportedly cracks jokes about this behind closed doors, but if the Government truly care about rural Britain, why are they leaving it in the digital slow lane?
I thank the hon. Lady for her question, but I do not share her characterisation of what is happening. I am pleased to say that there is almost 99% superfast coverage in her North Shropshire constituency, which is above the national average. Shropshire is also included in lot 25 of Project Gigabit, so those areas that are not covered by the very fast commercial roll-out of our gigabit scheme will be out for procurement—we expect it to happen in the next year—in order to build to those harder-to-reach premises. In the meantime, if there are any premises in North Shropshire that can receive vouchers, I recommend that the hon. Lady's constituents apply for them.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP's specific concern about lagging broadband speeds in her constituency was not directly addressed with concrete commitments or figures on improving those speeds specifically.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expressed frustration at the Scottish Government's Reaching 100% scheme, which is six years late and millions over budget. He highlighted that many areas are still struggling with poor broadband access.
I know that my hon. Friend shares my and my constituents' frustration at the failure of the Scottish Government and their ironically named Reaching 100% scheme to deliver for people in Scotland. It is six years late and millions of pounds over budget, notwithstanding the protestations of the hon. Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire North (Gavin Newlands). What is the Department doing to help level up broadband connectivity for my constituents in rural Scotland?
The situation in Scotland is, admittedly, tricky. I have talked to my counterpart in the Scottish Government, and the Scottish Government's strategy prioritises some of the islands and seeks to have greater spend in some of those hard-to-reach areas than we have in parts of England. I cannot ask people in other parts of the country to suffer for decisions made by the Scottish Government on the areas they are prioritising.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about specific actions for rural Scotland was not addressed with concrete measures or commitments, instead focusing on Scottish government priorities and policies.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted that inflation is running high at 9%, with broadband packages rising by 12%. He raised concerns about the affordability of basic broadband and mobile services, especially for those struggling to make ends meet.
It is a pleasure to see you in the Chair this morning, Madam Deputy Speaker. A staggering 1.1 million people struggle to afford the most basic broadband and mobile services, and the pandemic has only reinforced the fact that broadband is now truly the fourth utility. Our day-to-day lives cannot function without it. Inflation is now running at 9%, and broadband packages have risen by 12%. With the roll-out stagnating, prices rising and household incomes being squeezed, why did the Government and Ofcom allow Openreach and other providers to raise network prices above inflation, hitting consumers and raking in profits, without real investment in full fibre?
I completely agree with the hon. Gentleman that such services are now key utilities. As he will know, we debated the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill yesterday, in which we are seeking to bring down rents to reduce prices for operators and, therefore, for consumers.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about why broadband costs were allowed to rise above inflation was not directly addressed. The answer focused on future actions without addressing the current situation or affordability issues.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about the impact of the Equinox Openreach discount on smaller operators, suggesting it was hindering their ability to roll out full fibre services in rural areas.
It is pleasing, week on week, to see more and more villages in my constituency getting fibre-to-the-premises broadband, but many small operators tell me that the “Equinox” Openreach discount on the wholesale price is having a distorting effect on the speed of roll-out from those smaller operators, particularly to rural communities. Has my hon. Friend modelled the impact that that discount is having on the market? What can her Department do to fix it?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that important regulatory issue, which is actually led by Ofcom. It has been raised with me by altnets, and it is of concern.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about modelling the impact of the discount was not directly answered, instead referencing Ofcom's role without providing specific actions or commitments from her department.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP had previously asked about the progress on broadband roll-out and was seeking additional information or support from her constituents regarding broadband voucher schemes.
Why has the Government not done more to ensure that my constituents in North Shropshire can get affordable, reliable broadband connections? They rely heavily on this service for both work and education needs. What steps are being taken specifically for our area?
I thank the hon. Lady for her question, but I do not share her characterisation of what is happening. I am pleased to say that there is almost 99% superfast coverage in her North Shropshire constituency, which is above the national average.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP's specific concern about affordable broadband connections was not addressed with concrete support or measures. Instead, the answer highlighted general progress without addressing affordability issues specifically.
Response accuracy