Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Gigabit Broadband

Thursday 16 September 2021 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Gigabit broadband coverage across the UK is now at 47%, up from 10% in November 2019.
  • FibreNest is willing to allow other providers to use its networks to ensure a competitive market.
  • The roll-out of Project Gigabit is seen as crucial for increasing broadband speeds and supporting levelling up ambitions in Wales.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Craig Williams Con
Science & Technology
Context

The question arises from the progress of gigabit broadband roll-out across the country.

Question

What recent progress her Department has made on the roll-out of gigabit broadband. Across the country, gigabit broadband is now at 47%, up from just 10% in November 2019. This Government will leave no stone unturned to get that number as high as possible as quickly as possible.

Answer from Matt Warman

As the current broadband Minister, I can say that across the country gigabit broadband is now at 47%, up from just 10% in November 2019. This Government will leave no stone unturned to get that number as high as possible as quickly as possible.

Answered
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Q2 Jamie Wallis
Transport Science & Technology
Context

The question is prompted by concerns about the competitiveness of gigabit broadband providers, specifically regarding the restrictions placed on residents in newly built estates from seeking competitive quotes.

Question

Residents of Parc Derwen estate in Bridgend constituency and others across the UK have found themselves tied to disagreeable fibre providers and unable to seek competitive quotes due to restrictions. What will my hon. Friend do to ensure a competitive market as we roll out gigabit broadband? FibreNest says it is willing to let other providers use its networks, but this needs to become a reality.

Answer from Matt Warman

Competition is crucial. FibreNest is willing to let other providers use its networks, and the Government will work with Jamie Wallis and the company to ensure this happens.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific actions or regulations that would enforce competition were not detailed.

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Q3 Craig Williams Con
Scotland Wales Science & Technology
Context

Montgomeryshire, a rural constituency, is reliant on the roll-out of Project Gigabit for increased broadband speeds and digital infrastructure.

Question

The roll-out of Project Gigabit is integral to increased broadband speeds and the backbone of fibre network for levelling up ambitions. Does my hon. Friend agree that we need to deliver it at pace? In Wales, digital infrastructure is key to levelling up; positive announcements have been made with the Welsh Government.

Answer from Matt Warman

The hon. Friend is right that digital infrastructure is crucial for levelling up, especially in Wales; positive announcements have been made with the Welsh Government and more are expected to support this mission.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeline or details were provided regarding Project Gigabit delivery in Montgomeryshire.

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Q4 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Economy Science & Technology
Context

The question is prompted by the Prime Minister's pledge for full fibre roll-out by 2025, with £5 billion set aside in the 2020 Budget. Only £1.2 billion of that budget is planned to be spent by 2025.

Question

The PM pledged full fibre by 2025 and set aside £5 billion for it in the 2020 Budget, but only £1.2 billion is planned to be spent by 2025. Parliament, businesses, students, economy, and social lives depend on broadband; however, there are broken promises and budget cuts. When will we get affordable broadband? Ofcom reports more than 2 million households find it hard to afford broadband.

Answer from Matt Warman

This is a £5 billion commitment, but details on how much will be spent by 2025 were not provided.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifics of the £1.2 billion expenditure and timeline for affordable broadband were evaded.

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