Gigabit Broadband 2021-03-18
2021-03-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted the importance of gigabit-capable broadband, especially given increased reliance due to recent events. He highlighted disparities in superfast connectivity between urban and rural areas within his constituency.
What steps is his Department taking to roll out gigabit broadband? I thank the Minister for that response and look forward to a Government announcement soon. We need full roll-out of gigabit broadband. City of Lincoln Council has 99.4% superfast connectivity, but North Kesteven District Council only has 95.3%, with 2.74% receiving less than 10 megabits per second. How will the roll-out benefit all those in rural areas?
The Government's Project Gigabit will explain where we will take best connections first and how we tackle hardest-to-reach premises. It promotes competition for the best market offering, including Openreach.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timelines and details on ensuring rural areas are included in roll-out were not provided.
Promoting Competition
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP emphasised the critical importance of broadband for various aspects of society. She questioned if £1.2 billion out of £5 billion committed by 2025 was planned to be spent, expressing concern over pricing controls that could benefit BT at the expense of rural areas.
Can the Minister confirm that only £1.2 billion of £5 billion set aside for full fibre roll-out is planned to be spent by 2025? Will Ofcom's decision remove pricing controls leading to higher costs in broadband-poor rural areas? When will we get the infrastructure needed?
The £5 billion commitment will be spent as quickly as industry can lay cable. The balance between competition and fair return is struck by Ofcom to ensure all businesses involved get a reasonable profit.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for spending £1.2 billion was not confirmed, nor were cost implications in rural areas addressed directly.
Striking Balance Between Competition And Fair Return
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questioned the Government's response to key broadband roll-out targets from the DCMS Select Committee. He also sought a commitment for full answers by April 1st and clarity on Project Gigabit funding.
With Ofcom's broadband review published, does the Minister agree it is time to fully respond to the DCMS Select Committee report's recommendations? Will he commit to giving the Committee its full answers by April 1st? Is the £5 billion for Project Gigabit a repackaged announcement or guaranteed from Treasury?
The Ofcom report balances competition with fair return. The Government will respond in full to the Committee's questions, likely appearing again before it.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details on funding and direct response commitment were not provided.
Balancing Competition With Fair Return
Response accuracy