Jim Shannon – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Shannon on 2016-03-01.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions he has had with broadband providers on rural broadband provision.

Mr Edward Vaizey

Superfast broadband is available to nearly 90 per cent of homes and businesses in the UK, including urban and rural areas, and we are on track to reach 95% by the end of 2017, as set out in our manifesto. In addition, the Prime Minister announced the Government’s intention to implement a new broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO). This will give people the legal right to request an affordable broadband connection no matter where they live.

I hold regular discussions with internet service providers on a wide range of issues. A number of communications infrastructure suppliers and service providers attended the recent not-spot summit on 3 February where the challenges for Government and industry for extending both superfast broadband and mobile coverage to all areas of the UK was discussed.