I am very aware that communities across the Devizes Constituency desperately need improved download speeds, and ensuring that Superfast Broadband is rolled out as quickly as possible across the Constituency is one of my the Six Local Pledges. Generally, as you may know, high speed broadband has been installed in 'more' urban areas by commercial providers where density of population means that return on investment is more likely, and across the Constituency around 20,000 homes and businesses have benefited from Superfast Broadband through commercial roll-out.
Phases 1 & 2
Alongside the commercial roll-out, £1.7 billion of public money is being invested in extending superfast broadband provision across the UK, and by the end of 2017 95% of the UK will be connected. The nationwide roll-out is on track, and 3.5 million homes and businesses have now been connected, with 4 million expected by spring. The current programme has three phases, and locally, phase one delivered 91% Superfast coverage across Wiltshire by March 2016. Phase two is now underway and this will ensure 95% coverage by December 2017. More information about the Wiltshire Council led programme is at: www.wiltshireonline.org/index.php/broadband-rollout/find-your-postcode/installing-now
Unfortunately, there are some areas that are harder to reach – the ‘last five per cent’. Together with my colleagues at Wiltshire Council and in Westminster I am determined to find solutions to extending Superfast Broadband further, and additional funding is being secured including 'claw back' money from the BT contract when take up exceeds a certain level - an additional £2m has been allocated to Wiltshire Council from this source.
Phase 3
Phase 3 of the Government's programme is testing options to roll out superfast broadband beyond 95%. A £10 million market testing fund is currently under way piloting a number of technologies and funding models to expand coverage in remote areas. These pilots have been running since 2015 and are testing alternative technologies and commercial and operational models to provide good quality superfast broadband services to some of the most remote households across the UK. The findings of these tests will be used to help decide our future approach so that everyone can benefit from the transformation of the digital landscape currently underway.
Subsidised satellite broadband installation
The Government has committed to giving access to 2mbps download to every premise in the UK from the end of 2015 and is making available the option of a subsidised satellite broadband installation for eligible premises. This provides support towards the cost of equipment and installation of a satellite broadband connection so that a basic broadband service can be purchased for a first year cost of no more than £400 (taking account of any upfront costs and the 12 month service charges). The subsidised installation can also be used to access higher cost packages with higher speeds or greater monthly data caps. More information is available at www.wiltshireonline.org/index.php/broadband-rollout/basic-broadband-commitment
Ofcom has recently launched a new one-stop Mobile and Broadband Checker which allows people and businesses to check the quality and coverage of mobile and broadband services by postcode. The tool uses coverage, availability and speeds data, collected directly by Ofcom from major communications providers. Simply by entering a postcode, users can check mobile coverage, the availability of superfast broadband and average download speeds - all in one place.
Universal Service Obligation
Access to the internet shouldn't be a luxury; it should be a right, it is fundamental to life in 21st century Britain and late last year the Government announced plans for a Universal Service Obligation (USO) to give everyone in the UK a fast broadband connection of at least 10 mbps per second by 2020. This will give everyone in the country a legal right to request a fast broadband connection through a USO by the end of the current parliament and the Government is now consulting on new powers to introduce a broadband USO and to require Ofcom to review the USO, as appropriate, to ensure that in future it continues to reflect connectivity needs. More information about the consultation is atwww.gov.uk/government/consultations/broadband-universal-service-obligation
In addition a wide-ranging review to improve business access to broadband is underway which, will specifically look at increasing the level of affordable and high quality fibre broadband available to businesses. It will assess what steps can be taken to encourage choice and competition which will help drive down prices while delivering a better service.
In the meantime you have my assurance that I will continue to work as hard as I can to expedite the roll out of Superfast Broadband to all communities across the Constituency. At the beginning of the year I held one of my popular 'Parish & Town Council Forums' on the topic of Superfast Broadband roll-out which was an opportunity for communities to question representatives from Wiltshire Council and BT Openreach. And in Westminster, as Rail Minister, I represent the Department for Transport on the cross-departmental digital taskforce and improving our digital infrastructure is a major focus for the Government. This Government is committed to bringing fast broadband to every home and business that wants it and I will do everything I can to ensure that local people and businesses have the services they need as soon as possible.
