Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Gigabit Broadband Rollout: Rural and Urban Communities

Thursday 7 July 2022 · 3 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

  • Ministerial assessment indicates significant progress in gigabit broadband rollout, from 6% in 2019 to 69% today.
  • The Deputy Prime Minister was asked to lead the gigabit broadband programme over the summer but the question was deemed unrelated to the topic.
  • Solihull council, Solihull Community Housing, and CityFibre were congratulated for a deal ensuring 4,000 community housing tenants will receive full-fibre network.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Nick Smith Lab Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
Business & Trade Environment
Context

The question stems from concerns about the pace and coverage of high-speed internet deployment in both rural and urban areas. The MP is seeking an assessment on how these regions are being impacted.

Question

What assessment has been made of the impact of the rate of delivery of gigabit broadband rollout on (a) rural and (b) urban communities?

Answer from Nadine Dorries

Through Project Gigabit we are ensuring that hard-to-reach areas of the UK gain access to world-class gigabit connectivity alongside delivering gigabit broadband to the rest of the country ahead of demand. Connectivity stood at 6% in 2019, while today the figure is 69%. This indicates significant progress.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide a specific assessment for rural and urban communities separately or statistics on their impact.

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Q2 Nick Smith Lab Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
Science & Technology
Context

The question is prompted by concerns about leadership and accountability regarding the gigabit broadband initiative. The MP references a perceived lack of credibility from the Prime Minister.

Question

Rolling out gigabit broadband requires real leadership. Given that the Prime Minister has brought his office into disrepute, will the Deputy Prime Minister step up to lead this programme over the summer?

Answer from Nadine Dorries

Yes, I am afraid that question does not relate to gigabit broadband roll-out.

Not addressed: The specific leadership issue was completely avoided by stating it is unrelated.

How: Changing The Subject

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Q3 Julian Knight Con
Housing Science & Technology
Context

This question comes from an announcement regarding a deal between Solihull council, Solihull Community Housing, and CityFibre to provide full-fiber internet networks for 4000 community housing tenants. The MP is highlighting this as good news and seeks support.

Question

I wish to focus on something else that is very good news in my locality: a deal ensuring 4,000 community housing tenants get the latest full-fibre network. Will the Secretary of State join me in congratulating Solihull council, Solihull Community Housing and CityFibre? Does she agree we must ensure everyone is covered so no one is left behind?

Answer from Nadine Dorries

I thank my hon. Friend for the work he continually contributes to this area and as Chair of the Select Committee, and he is absolutely right. The manifesto commitment was for 100% coverage: that is the Prime Minister's absolute commitment that nobody would be left behind. Innovative ways such as using 5G and satellite are being worked on now.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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