Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what support he will provide to full fibre broadband operators to encourage urban deployment over the next 12 months.

The Government is committed to delivering nationwide coverage of gigabit capable broadband as soon as possible. We believe that the best way to do this is to promote network competition and commercial investment wherever possible, and to intervene with public subsidy where necessary.

The Government is taking action to support broadband operators in all areas of the country, including urban areas, through the removal of barriers to deployment including, for example, the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Bill, which will make it easier to connect multi-dwelling buildings where there is a repeatedly unresponsive landowner. We will also legislate to mandate gigabit connectivity in new build homes in England and are working with local highways authorities on a more collaborative and standardised approach to Street Works.