Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rural Connectivity

Wednesday 10 January 2024 · 7 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 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister announced 2 billion investment for gigabit connectivity across the UK.
  • Eddie Hughes's constituency has 92% gigabit-capable coverage according to regional procurement efforts.
  • Minister committed to addressing frustrations and ensuring installation timelines are met.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Duguid Con
Economy Transport Environment
Context

The MP highlighted the importance of improving digital connectivity in rural areas to avoid leaving these regions behind.

Question

What steps is her Department taking to improve rural connectivity?

Answer from Julia Lopez

Great digital connectivity is now absolutely vital to people's life chances and we do not want rural areas to be left behind. That is why we are putting £2 billion into gigabit, so that it is in every corner of the country. We are putting cash into satellites for the hardest to reach bits. We have a plan for mobile operators to get much more phone coverage.

Answered
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Q2 Eddie Hughes Con
Science & Technology Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP expressed interest in further advice to champion specific rural communities facing challenges with poor digital connectivity.

Question

What further advice can she give to a colleague keen to champion specific rural communities facing challenges with poor digital connectivity?

Answer from Julia Lopez

First, I want to reassure my hon. Friend that a lot of work is being done on gigabit and mobile reception for rural areas. There is a regional procurement under way that covers his constituency and a neighbouring one. He is clearly doing something right, because Walsall North has 92% gigabit-capable coverage, compared with a national average of 79%. All I would say to Tamworth is: take note.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide concrete advice beyond reassurances and comparisons.

How: Reassures, Compare

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Q3 Mark Menzies Con
Energy Environment
Context

The MP inquired about the difficulty of securing a Project Gigabit contract for Lancashire and sought assurance that timelines would not slip.

Question

What steps is she taking to ensure that timescales do not slip and that we can see installation under way for the second half of this year, as currently planned?

Answer from Julia Lopez

I thank my hon. Friend for holding me to account and I very much share his sense of urgency. His constituency has 86% gigabit-capable coverage, so it is above the average, but none the less I understand the frustration that people have when their premises are not covered. I reassure him that I raised this matter with BDUK yesterday. We expect that procurement to be sorted in the summer.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete steps beyond raising the issue and providing general timeline.

How: Reassures, Sense Of Urgency

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Q4 David Duguid Con
Scotland
Context

The MP raised concerns about the delivery of rural broadband in Scotland and the lack of progress under the Reaching 100% scheme.

Question

What discussions has she had with the Scottish Government about dealing with the pause implemented on BDUK?

Answer from Julia Lopez

I appreciate my hon. Friend's work in this area. He is a tremendous champion for his constituency. I spoke to the Scottish Government before I went on maternity leave and asked for an update when I spoke to BDUK yesterday. Progress is being made.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide concrete details of discussions or actions taken.

How: Reassures, Update

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Q5 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Transport Environment
Context

The MP raised concerns about the village of Bryncethin in his constituency, where three streets still do not have connectivity despite promises from BT Broadband.

Question

Will the Minister point out to BT Broadband again that the position needs to be rectified quickly?

Answer from Julia Lopez

As the hon. Gentleman will know, things are changing in Wales because the Welsh Government are starting to take some of the contracts in-house. That work is under way, but I am happy to look into that specific issue with Openreach on his behalf.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address the need for BT Broadband to rectify quickly.

How: Changing Approach

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Q6 Alan Brown SNP
Transport Environment
Context

The MP criticized the delay and increased costs of the emergency services network upgrade programme.

Question

Does the Minister agree that it is a disgrace that the emergency services network upgrade programme is seven years late and now has a budget of more than £11 billion?

Answer from Julia Lopez

The hon. Gentleman is right to highlight the vital importance of ensuring that the emergency services network is up and running and that it is robust, particularly in rural areas. I am not aware of the specific issues in his constituency—I am happy to look into them—but as far as I am aware, the programme is on track.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address delays or budget increases directly.

How: Agrees, Check Specific Issues

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Q7 Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire
Business & Trade Environment
Context

The MP questioned the accuracy of maps showing partial notspots in relation to actual experiences of constituents.

Question

What will the Minister do to improve the data that companies use for deciding where to put their improved services?

Answer from Julia Lopez

That is an important issue, and we have raised it with Ofcom because we share the hon. Lady's concern that the data is not good enough and is not being reflected in constituents' actual experiences. I am very alive to this problem and want it to be put right.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete measures or timeline for improving data accuracy.

How: Raise With Ofcom

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