In a fast changing digital world, being connected and having adequate broadband, mobile and Wi-Fi accessibility is essential not only to enable businesses to thrive but also to improve general health and well being and make accessible the wealth of online services and information now available in a world where everything is moving in this direction. For rural communities, the growth of online services has enormous potential to ease day to day living and bring services that would usually involve a time consuming journey into the home. That being said, whereas broadband facilities are now well established in cities, it is the rural areas, (which one could argue have most to gain from connectivity) that are not yet fully up and running. The matter of achieving connectivity for all South East Cambridgeshire is a matter of upmost concern to me and I was very encouraged at the Government’s recent announcement of a further £440 million to be made available to further aid properties in rural areas to get superfast Internet provision.
By the end of June 2017 South East Cambridgeshire should have 94% coverage but we still need to address how we reach the remaining 6% of the area. I will be pressing this matter with Matthew Hancock, Minister of State responsible for digital and culture policy, and do all I can to keep our area front of mind with regards to any extra funding provision available.
The current phase of the roll out programme for our area, originally due to be delivered by end of 2016 is now scheduled to be delivered by 30th January 2017. This phase will see five more villages connected and having met with BT and Connecting Cambridge (and BDUK?) last week, I am reassured that all issues which brought about the delay have now been remedied. The next phase will see more areas connected by end of June 2017. We will know more about which areas, following analysis by BT, next month.
It may be that, despite best efforts, a number of homes in each area may experience problems. I would like to ask that if you are affected in any way, that you please notify me so that I can take up your cause and be aware of the scale of any issue.