Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to (a) maintain and (b) future-proof broadband infrastructure in (a) Lancashire and (b) Fylde constituency.

The Electronic Communications Code gives Code Operators the right to maintain, repair and upgrade apparatus. While the legislative framework facilitates upgrades to existing apparatus, it is ultimately the responsibility of operators to maintain their broadband infrastructure.

Openreach is currently delivering a Project Gigabit contract to bring gigabit-capable broadband to homes and businesses in Lancashire that are not expected to be reached via the commercial market, including in Fylde. Our Project Gigabit contracts are future-proofing connectivity by providing the cutting-edge broadband infrastructure needed to meet people’s needs not just today, but for decades to come.