James Wild MP secures commitment for better broadband

James Wild MP secures commitment for better broadband
Mr Wild raised the issue of poor broadband in the local area this morning. Picture: House of Commons

There will be a legal right to minimum broadband speeds in the local area ready for March 2020.

James Wild MP for North West Norfolk, today secured a commitment from the government that the plans are in place so that from March 2020 homes across the constituency will be guaranteed minimum broadband speeds of 10 Mbps.

Speaking at Department for Culture, Media, and Sport questions in the House of Commons today he said:

“While I warmly welcome the pledge to deliver gigabit broadband, many of my constituents in Grimston, Heacham, and Brancaster and others places are yet to receive speeds of 10 Mbps. So can my Hon Friend the Minister confirm that the plans are ready to deliver minimum speeds from March and that he will hold BT to account to do so?”

Figures show that 41.1% of lines in Grimston, Gayton and East Winch receive speeds under 10 Mbps; 35.9% of lines in Brancaster, Burnham, and Docking receive speeds under 10 Mbps; and 25.6% of lines in Heacham and Snettisham receive speeds under 10 Mbps.

Under legislation introduced by the government, everyone in the UK will have a legal right under the broadband Universal Service Obligation to a decent and affordable broadband connection that can provide a download speed of 10 Mbps.

In response, Matt Warman MP, Minister for Digital and Broadband said:

“Yes, he is right we do need to make sure that the 10 Mbps Universal Service Obligation is delivered on the ground and we will of course continue to talk to BT to make sure it is real and right there when it needs to be in March this year.”

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