Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rural Digital Infrastructure

Wednesday 11 September 2024 · 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 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial commitment to full gigabit and national 5G coverage by 2030 for rural areas
  • Government met with internet and mobile providers and Ofcom to discuss rural digital infrastructure
  • Government acknowledges challenges in reaching hard-to-reach areas but notes that over 90% of premises in the constituency can access superfast broadband speeds

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Chadwick Lib Dem Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Wales Science & Technology
Context

The question arises from concerns about insufficient digital connectivity in rural areas of Wales. The context includes previous roll-out schemes that have not covered all areas adequately.

Question

What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to improve digital infrastructure in rural Wales? This Government are committed to improving digital connectivity, as demonstrated by our commitment to full gigabit and national 5G coverage by 2030. I have recently met internet and mobile providers as well as Ofcom.

Answer from Nia Griffith

This Government are committed to improving digital connectivity, as demonstrated by our commitment to full gigabit and national 5G coverage by 2030. I have recently met internet and mobile providers as well as Ofcom. The hon. Member will be aware that, thanks to the UK Government's shared rural network, 4G connectivity has been boosted in his constituency as a result of the activation last month of two additional masts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific steps being taken with Cabinet colleagues were not detailed. The answer did not address how these meetings and commitments translate into action on the ground for rural Wales.

How: Under Review, Recently Met

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q2 David Chadwick Lib Dem Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Science & Technology
Context

The question stems from the observation that certain rural areas like Llanwrthwl and Llanafan Fawr have been neglected by previous roll-out schemes, highlighting a need for targeted funding to ensure these areas are not left behind.

Question

Many of my constituents living in areas such as Llanwrthwl and Llanafan Fawr have been missed out by previous roll-out schemes. Are the Government committed to ensuring that funding is available to ensure that people living in so-called hard-to-reach areas can be connected? I very much appreciate the concern that the hon. Member has for his constituents, particularly in a rural area that has so many challenges for connectivity.

Answer from Nia Griffith

I very much appreciate the concern that the hon. Member has for his constituents, particularly in a rural area that has so many challenges for connectivity. I can tell him that over 90% of premises in his constituency can access superfast broadband speeds. To extend gigabit-capable coverage further, approximately 3,000 premises in his constituency are currently expected to receive gigabit-capable connection through the Project Gigabit cross regional procurement framework. Alongside this, there are 21 voucher projects across the constituency, which will cover approximately 5,000 premises.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not explicitly commit to additional funding for hard-to-reach areas beyond mentioning existing schemes and statistics. The questioner sought a specific commitment on funding availability for these areas.

How: Under Review, Considering This

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email