Oral Answers to Questions

Peter Aldous Excerpts

Thursday 15th December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Gethins (North East Fife) (SNP)]

1. What progress has been made on rolling out broadband to rural communities.

[Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con)]

10. What progress her Department has made on improving broadband speed in rural areas.

[The Minister for Digital and Culture (Matt Hancock)]

Superfast broadband is now available to over 90% of homes and businesses in the UK—up from 45% in 2010—and is on track to reach 95% by the end of 2017. After that, we are bringing in a universal service obligation in the Digital Economy Bill.

[Matt Hancock]

Yes. The plan to bring in a universal service obligation means just that: it is about making sure that superfast broadband is available to all. If the SNP joined us in the Lobby to support the Digital Economy Bill, which is currently passing through its remaining stages in the other place, we would be very grateful.

[Peter Aldous]

Superfast broadband is available across much of Waveney, but not spots remain, particularly in rural areas. The roll-out of 5G could play an important role in plugging those gaps. I would be grateful if the Minister outlined his plans to fast-track this provision. Will he consider some pilots in the Waveney area?

[Matt Hancock]

My hon. Friend is a ceaseless champion of better connectivity in Lowestoft and throughout Suffolk. Connectivity is improving: there is a licence obligation to cover 90% of the UK landmass by the end of next year. I am sure he will keep fighting for his constituents to make sure that they get a better signal. The £1 billion announced in the autumn statement will help to get us there.