Internet Connections Rural Communities 2021-11-18
2021-11-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Rural areas face challenges in accessing high-speed internet, with some constituents still lacking superfast broadband despite government initiatives.
What steps her Department is taking to help improve internet connections in rural communities. Some constituents in North Devon are not part of any roll-out programme and others are experiencing over-fibring by taxpayer-funded contracts. Will the Minister work with organisations like Connecting Devon and Somerset to address these issues?
The telecoms market is thriving, and there is a lot of movement on the ground. Officials in BDUK are working extremely closely with Connecting Devon and Somerset and local suppliers in Devon so that we can avoid over-build where possible. The Minister assures close contact throughout this process to ensure constituents get what they need.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request for more powers to edit contracts was not addressed directly
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Some constituents in North Devon are not part of any roll-out programme, while others experience over-fibring by taxpayer-funded contracts. This highlights a need for better coordination to ensure efficient use of resources.
I still have constituents in North Devon who are not part of either the rural roll-out programme backed by Building Digital UK or any commercial roll-out. However, some villages with commercial gigabit-capable fibre are being over-fibred by taxpayer-funded BDUK contracts. Will my hon. Friend work with organisations such as Connecting Devon and Somerset to give them more powers to edit contracts so that taxpayers' money is not used to over-fibre?
Officials in BDUK are working extremely closely with Connecting Devon and Somerset and local suppliers in Devon so that we can avoid over-build where possible. The Minister assures close contact throughout this process to ensure constituents get what they need.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request for more powers to edit contracts was not addressed directly
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
South Wales is experiencing a growing digital divide between cities and valleys, with Blaenau Gwent lagging behind in gigabit broadband roll-out. This disparity affects the local economy.
The digital divide between cities and valleys is getting wider in south Wales. Gigabit broadband is essential for our economy, yet it has barely begun in Blaenau Gwent and we are being left behind. Will the Minister prioritise working with the Welsh Government and Ofcom to deliver better internet so that levelling up is not just a hollow slogan?
I am very keen to work with the Welsh Government, in so far as I can be helpful, with their roll-out. Officials agree about the importance of tackling the digital divide and are looking to do all they can to make sure there is not a disparity between those with great internet access and those who do not have it.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific prioritisation request was not addressed directly
Response accuracy