Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Superfast Broadband

Thursday 5 November 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions regarding superfast broadband availability throughout the UK took place on 2020-11-05
  • Mark Jenkinson expressed frustration from constituents over costs associated with BT for better broadband speeds
  • The Government aims for the gold standard in connectivity but stresses the need for affordable options while awaiting Ofcom's investigation of BT's approach

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Context

The MP notes constituents facing challenges accessing affordable broadband, particularly through the universal service obligation (USO). There are concerns over high costs imposed by BT for fibre to the premises when fibre to the cabinet would suffice.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that superfast broadband is available throughout the UK. In my constituency, rural constituents seeking better broadband speeds through the USO are increasingly frustrated with the costs from BT. Will he use his position to stress to BT not to let perfection hinder progress?

Answer from Matt Warman

This Government will always aim for the gold standard on connecting people. However, recognising the value of connectivity to constituents, it is important not to let perfection be the enemy of progress. We need to wait for Ofcom's investigation of BT's approach and ensure affordable options are prioritised.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a concrete commitment or action plan regarding BT's high costs under the USO or fibre-to-the-cabinet alternatives.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Context

The MP notes constituents facing challenges accessing affordable broadband, particularly through the universal service obligation (USO). There are concerns over high costs imposed by BT for fibre to the premises when fibre to the cabinet would suffice.

Question

In my constituency, rural constituents seeking better broadband speeds through the USO are increasingly frustrated with the costs from BT. Will he use his position to stress to BT not to let perfection hinder progress?

Answer from Matt Warman

This Government will always aim for the gold standard on connecting people. However, recognising the value of connectivity to constituents, it is important not to let perfection be the enemy of progress. We need to wait for Ofcom's investigation of BT's approach and ensure affordable options are prioritised.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a concrete commitment or action plan regarding BT's high costs under the USO or fibre-to-the-cabinet alternatives.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)