Context
Crichton highlighted the challenge faced by constituents in his constituency where only 90% of residents can access more than 10 megabits per second broadband. He expressed concern that easier-to-reach areas are being prioritised over harder-to-connect regions, despite a universal service obligation guaranteeing at least 10 Mbps.
Question
The figures for Project Gigabit roll-out are impressive, but in the Western Isles, 10% of constituents cannot get more than 10 megabits per second. While welcoming Project Gigabit, Crichton noted that initial areas being considered for connection already have good fibre availability, leaving harder-to-reach places behind. He asked whether Openreach will be pressed to ensure connections are made in these hard-to-reach regions.
Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Josh Simons)
Project Gigabit is designed to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to parts of the UK that would otherwise be unlikely to receive such coverage through commercial efforts alone. While it will also cover properties with existing superfast availability as it expands, the Government continues to explore alternatives for very hard-to-reach areas, including satellite and fixed wireless access options. Simons urged constituents to remember their right under the broadband universal service obligation to a minimum 10 Mbps connection.
Not addressed: The Minister did not address directly whether Openreach would be pressed to prioritise harder-to-reach premises over easy connections.
How: Pressing For Alternatives Like Satellite And Fixed Wireless Access
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