Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Broadband Connectivity

Wednesday 16 October 2024 · 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 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • More than 85% of UK premises have access to a gigabit-capable broadband connection.
  • The government aims for 99% coverage by 2030.
  • The Minister responsible for the roll-out will meet officials to ensure constituents receive attention.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Emma Foody Labour (Co-op) Cramlington and Killingworth
Science & Technology
Context

The question follows the government's progress on improving broadband access, focusing on hard-to-reach areas.

Question

What progress has been made in improving broadband connectivity? Access to reliable broadband is essential for residents across my constituency, but those falling just outside commercial full-fibre deployment areas are left behind. What further action can be taken to ensure these communities receive the necessary support?

Answer from Peter Kyle

More than 85% of UK premises have access to a gigabit-capable broadband connection. Through Project Gigabit, more than a dozen suppliers are delivering contracts for over 1 million homes and businesses. My team is pushing forward with plans to improve digital connectivity in hard-to-reach communities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response does not address the specific ask regarding further actions to help residents just outside current roll-out areas.

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Q2 Emma Foody Labour (Co-op) Cramlington and Killingworth
Science & Technology
Context

Residents in the constituency are facing challenges with reliable broadband access, impacting their ability to work and study.

Question

Access to reliable broadband is essential for residents across my constituency. For those who fall just outside commercial full-fibre deployment areas, it remains a real issue affecting their ability to work and study. What further action can the government take to ensure these residents are not left behind?

Answer from Peter Kyle

The market for digital provision needs to deliver for constituents. In areas where the market is not as full, market providers need to work together to ensure all residents have the connectivity they deserve.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response does not provide specific actions or commitments beyond general remarks about market delivery and collaboration.

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Q3 Helen Whately Con Faversham and Mid Kent
Science & Technology
Context

Residents in Throwley and Wichling have been struggling with high-speed broadband access, facing uncertainty about future roll-outs.

Question

My constituents in Throwley and Wichling are battling for high-speed broadband. Despite initial progress, it seems uncertain whether they will receive the support needed. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss how we can ensure these communities do not miss out again?

Answer from Peter Kyle

The Minister responsible for the roll-out will meet officials to ensure the hon. Lady's constituents receive the attention they deserve.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response does not commit to a direct meeting with the MP but instead suggests that a minister will meet officials to discuss the issue.

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Q4 Victoria Collins Lib Dem Harpenden and Berkhamsted
Science & Technology Business & Trade
Context

Residents in Harpenden and Berkhamsted are facing patchy broadband access, impacting their ability to work from home and run businesses.

Question

People and businesses in my constituency face challenges with patchy broadband access. Andy from Wheathampstead has found that expensive satellite broadband is his only option for working from home. Will the Secretary of State commit to ensuring every home and business receives gigabit broadband, particularly in rural areas, with bespoke solutions?

Answer from Peter Kyle

The government aims for 99% coverage by 2030. The programme run by BDUK is technology-neutral, encouraging the use of existing and emerging technologies to ensure every single home and business has access.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While acknowledging the goal and current efforts, the response does not commit to bespoke solutions specifically for rural areas.

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