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

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to support the Connecting Devon and Somerset scheme to ensure that all parliamentary constituencies in that area gain improved broadband coverage.

Good progress has been made in Devon and Somerset, with 93% of premises having access to superfast broadband. To date, Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) have directly provided superfast access to more than 300,000 homes and businesses. Their current live contract with Airband will have delivered connectivity to c.21,000 premises across the two counties by the end of summer.

Building Digital UK (BDUK) officials are in regular contact with CDS, and are committed to delivering connectivity to those parts of the two counties that are currently unserved as quickly as possible. A £38 million procurement to target up to 89,000 premises is underway, with initial bids for this procurement now received. BDUK will continue to provide support and guidance to CDS during this procurement process, as well as during the delivery stages.

In the meantime for those still struggling, the Universal Service Obligation (USO) gives eligible premises in the UK the right to request a decent and affordable connection. For those rural areas across Devon and Somerset, voucher funding may be available to rural SMEs and residents where they can claim up to £3,500 and £1,500 respectively.