Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Ultrafast Broadband: Devon and Somerset — [CHRISTINA REES in the Chair]

11 January 2022 · 7 other contributors · 11,669 words

Opened by Selaine Saxby Con North Devon

Responding minister: Julia Lopez

TransportScience & Technology

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Selaine Saxby raised concerns about ultrafast broadband: devon and somerset — [christina rees in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • MP raises concern over poor broadband connectivity in North Devon, with only 87% of premises connected to superfast broadband.
  • MP criticizes 2015 decision by Connecting Devon and Somerset to reject BT's bid, citing worsened connectivity issues.
  • MP calls for redefining commerciality for rural areas and seeks creative solutions to avoid Devon and Somerset becoming disconnected by 2025.

Key requests to Government

The MP asks for a way to redefine commerciality for rurality and seeks creative solutions from bigger players in the market to prevent Devon and Somerset from becoming the missing 15% not connected by 2025. She invites the Minister to visit her constituency to understand the digital divide challenges better.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Selaine Saxby Con North Devon

The MP is concerned about the poor broadband connectivity in her constituency, North Devon. She notes that only 87% of premises are connected to superfast broadband, ranking her constituency as one of the worst in terms of coverage across Devon and Somerset. The decision by Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) in 2015 to reject BT's £35 million bid has worsened connectivity issues. She highlights that CDS needs to deliver closer to two-thirds coverage in rural areas, while commercially viable parts are being over-fibred with gigabit connections. Additionally, she mentions the challenge of accessing voucher schemes and community fibre partnerships for hard-to-reach areas.

Other contributors (7)
  • Anne Marie Morris Con Newton Abbot

    Anne Marie Morris highlighted the importance of broadband connectivity for Devon and Somerset, stating that these regions are underserved in terms of infrastructure. She mentioned low productivity rates and poor transport links as significant challenges, emphasizing how lack of connectivity affects mental health. Morris urged a change in Government policy to prioritise disadvantaged areas over easy-to-fix ones, advocating for innovative solutions beyond fibre roll-outs.

  • Anthony Mangnall Con Totnes

    Anthony Mangnall congratulated Selaine Saxby for campaigning on digital connectivity in Devon and Somerset. He highlighted that Totnes has 52,500 premises, of which 9,056 need improved digital services. He welcomed the Connecting Devon and Somerset £38 million programme plus £18.7 million Government funding but questioned how to encourage uptake beyond the current 70% in Devon.

  • Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend

    The MP highlighted the disparities in broadband connectivity, particularly in rural areas like Devon and Somerset. He cited specific statistics showing that gigabit availability in his constituency of Ogmore is only 13.3%, which lags behind many other regions mentioned during the debate. The MP stressed the importance of addressing digital inequality not just between urban and rural areas but within them as well, noting the impact on education, healthcare, and social interaction.

  • David Warburton Con North Dorset

    David Warburton emphasised the importance of competition for rural areas in Somerset, highlighting that 13% of premises are fully connected in his constituency. He called for better digital connectivity to retain young people and businesses, noting frustration over endless faults and starts with broadband rollout.

  • Geoffrey Cox Con Torridge and Tavistock

    Does my hon. Friend agree that local councils have an important role to play in promoting community fibre partnerships? West Devon Borough Council has recruited a community broadband officer, who is now recruiting broadband champions throughout the small villages of west Devon.

  • Luke Pollard Lab Co-op Plymouth Sutton and Devonport

    Luke Pollard emphasised the need for high-speed broadband in Devon and Somerset, noting that slow internet speed inhibits job delivery and reinforces stereotypes about rural areas being slower. He called for greater political priority to address the digital divide between urban and rural communities. Pollard highlighted affordability issues with devices and data costs, raising concerns that low-income families may be priced out of opportunities provided by gigabit-capable internet. He proposed upgrading GSM-R masts along railway lines to provide high-speed internet access for both train passengers and nearby communities, estimating the cost at around £100 million. Does the Minister have a view on the progress made on allowing new operators such as CityFibre to use historic wayleaves, so that they do not have to negotiate afresh with landowners?

  • Marcus Fysh Con Yeovil

    The border area between Marcus Fysh's and Luke Pollard's constituencies is an example of areas falling between the cracks, lacking understanding between universal service obligation and vouchers. People need proper gigabit services through vouchers to engage with the digital future.

Government Response

Julia Lopez

Ms Lopez welcomed the debate's focus on digital connectivity, noting the Government's commitment to ensuring fast and reliable internet access for all UK residents. She highlighted over £30 billion of private sector investment in gigabit broadband roll-out, increased coverage figures, and outlined the Project Gigabit programme. Ms Lopez assured MPs that rural areas would not be left behind, with procurement processes underway to address connectivity challenges such as those faced by Devon and Somerset. She also discussed efforts to enhance regulatory frameworks, promote innovation through Open RAN technology, and encourage greater consumer awareness of gigabit capabilities.

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