Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Margot James and Jeremy Quin

Thursday 21st June 2018 Commons Chamber

[Jeremy Quin (Horsham) (Con)]

10. What steps his Department is taking to improve broadband and mobile phone coverage in rural areas.

[The Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries (Margot James)]

We are clear on the continued need to improve broadband and mobile connectivity in rural areas. Broadband UK’s superfast programme has achieved 95% coverage, and continues to connect more rural premises. The broadband universal service obligation, implemented by 2020, will ensure that rural areas are not left behind.

[Jeremy Quin]

How is the Minister ensuring that new housing developments are fully equipped with broadband during the construction phase?

[Margot James]

We have an agreement with the Home Builders Federation that all new developments by members of that organisation will deliver full broadband to the premises as those developments progress. I regularly meet a barrier-busting taskforce to consider how we can build on that voluntary agreement—not all builders are members of the federation—so that all residents of new-build developments receive the full-fibre premises to which they should be entitled.