Rural Broadband: Installation Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
Adam Dance
Main Page: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)Department Debates - View all Adam Dance's debates with the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
Rural Broadband: Installation
Adam Dance Excerpts(1 day, 11 hours ago)
Westminster HallRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Westminster Hall is an alternative Chamber for MPs to hold debates, named after the adjoining Westminster Hall.
Each debate is chaired by an MP from the Panel of Chairs, rather than the Speaker or Deputy Speaker. A Government Minister will give the final speech, and no votes may be called on the debate topic.
This information is provided by Parallel Parliament and does not comprise part of the offical record
Sir Ashley Fox
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.
The lack of reliable broadband is not just inconvenient; it is actively damaging to business.
Adam Dance (Yeovil) (LD)
One of my constituents runs a company that develops semiconductor technology, but the listed building he is in was recently removed from an Openreach fibre-to-the-premises plan. Does the hon. Member agree that Openreach must be more transparent in decisions not to provide services, and that such delays to gigabit fibre provision risk making rural Somerset a less attractive place to set up cutting-edge businesses?
Sir Ashley Fox
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.
A lack of reliable broadband limits productivity, increases stress and makes it harder for rural businesses to compete on an equal footing.