Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Digital Connectivity: Hardest-to-reach Premises

Monday 27 June 2022 · 2 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister in regular contact with Cabinet colleagues on improving digital connectivity for rural areas.
  • Investment of 5 billion through Project Gigabit for better broadband.
  • 19% of properties in Ceredigion receive broadband speeds under 10 megabits per second.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ben Lake PC Ceredigion Preseli
Context

The levelling-up White Paper references the need to improve digital connectivity in rural areas. The questioner seeks details on recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues about this issue.

Question

What recent discussions have you had with Cabinet colleagues on improving the digital connectivity of the hardest-to-reach premises as referenced in the levelling-up White Paper?

Answer from Neil O'Brien

I am in regular contact with other Ministers on this subject, which is very important for rural areas. Through Project Gigabit we are investing £5 billion in better broadband. At the start of 2019, just 7% of Welsh households could get gigabit internet; now 51% can. We are investing a further £1 billion in the shared rural network, which will increase 4G coverage in mid and west Wales from 86% to 97%.

Answered
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Q2 Ben Lake PC Ceredigion Preseli
Science & Technology
Context

The questioner points out that some 19% of properties in Ceredigion receive broadband speeds under 10 megabits per second, despite plans to improve connectivity for other areas. He asks how the Government will ensure these specific communities benefit from improved connectivity when commercial companies have not brought forward any plans.

Question

The Minister will be aware that some 19% of properties in Ceredigion currently receive broadband speeds of under 10 megabits per second. Although there are plans to improve connectivity in a number of these areas, there are other communities in villages such as Plwmp, Brynhoffnant, Blaenporth, Penrhiwllan, Ffostrasol and Rhydlewis that are not currently subject to any plans. How will the Government ensure that such communities will benefit from improved connectivity even when commercial companies have not thus far brought forward any plans?

Answer from Neil O'Brien

That is a very important observation. I mentioned some of the huge investments that we are making and the pace that things are moving, but we want them to happen even more quickly. If the hon. Member would like to discuss further how we can make the new roll-out go even faster, I would love to do that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about ensuring connectivity for unaddressed communities was not directly answered with a concrete plan or commitment.

How: Want Them To Happen Even More Quickly, I Would Love To Discuss Further

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