I appreciate how important broadband is to residents and businesses in Wycombe. Fast, reliable broadband is now seen as the norm in an advanced economy, not a luxury. It underpins economic growth and allows us to function in a digital age.
Over 90 per cent of UK premises are now able to connect to superfast broadband, and we are on track to reach 95 per cent by the end of next year. This means that the UK has the highest superfast broadband coverage amongst the top five European economies. But I recognise that more needs to be done to ensure that all parts of the country have the access to the broadband they require.
I welcome Ofcom’s determination in tackling issues that may prevent this from happening. Ministers have noted its view that the current relationship between BT and Openreach will not deliver the country’s needs for more competition, better innovation and better service and they strongly support Ofcom in taking whatever action is needed to correct any competition problems.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport are clear that a more independent Openreach is needed to benefit consumers and the UK’s digital infrastructure. I share Ministers’ concerns that BT’s proposals do not go far enough and I think it is right that full structural separation remains an option.
We all know just how frustrating it is to have a bad broadband connection. Broadband is a modern necessity, and the Government is working hard to ensure that the whole of Britain has the broadband that it needs.
The House is currently debating the Digital Economy Bill, which among other things, aims to deliver better connectivity by providing every household. I will follow the development of this Bill in an effort to take our digital economy one step further.
