"I agree with the hon. Gentleman. Problems with internet connectivity and mobile connectivity often affect the same areas. This debate is specifically about broadband, but I would be happy if the Minister chose to touch on mobile signals as well.
"I referred to Openreach’s comments to me. It said that it did not believe there is sufficient funding in the spending review for the Government to meet their target of 99% by 2032. Does the Minister believe he has sufficient funding to meet that target?..." Ashley Fox - View Speech
That this House has considered the impact of the time taken to install gigabit capable broadband on rural communities.
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Dr Murrison. Broadband is now an essential part of daily life. Families, businesses and communities all rely on …..." Ashley Fox - View Speech
"The hon. Member anticipates much of my speech, and I thank him for that intervention.
Unsurprisingly, in my survey those in larger villages reported the best service, and those in the most remote rural areas reported the worst...." Ashley Fox - View Speech
"I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for that point. He is right that time that should be spent running a business is often wasted waiting for files to load, forms to submit or video calls to reconnect.
My constituent Sue Felstead runs a restaurant at Greenway farm in Wembdon. …..." Ashley Fox - View Speech
"I thank my hon. Friend for raising that important point. I agree with her and hope the Minister will respond.
We cannot expect businesses to survive, let alone grow, if they are cut off from the digital world that the rest of the country takes for granted. For farmers and …..." Ashley Fox - View Speech
"I agree with the hon. Gentleman, who anticipates a section of my speech on farmers. I am going to make a little progress, if I may.
Those in the most remote rural areas of my constituency reported the worst service. For example, residents of Broomfield rated their service at 2.6 …..." Ashley Fox - View Speech
"I agree with the hon. Gentleman. He and I have perhaps similar constituencies, in that we have one large dominant town and a hinterland of many small villages and hamlets. Those in the town often have a very good service, while those in the small villages do not.