Press Coverage
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Date: 23 March 2011
Type: Other Publication / Broadcaster: ePolitix.com Rural Superfast Broadband
Government investment in rural superfast broadband will be a "great spur" for communities and help them to make a significant contribution to UK growth, says Rory Stewart MP. "The greatest problems facing rural communities in the UK stem from distance and isolation. Rural businesses are isolated from national and international markets; post offices, village schools and clinics are closing; bus services and roads are poor; and low wages drive young people to leave villages and look for work elsewhere. Superfast broadband is an answer to so many of these issues. High income businesses could relocate to rural areas; farmers could fill out forms online; food shops could market themselves in Europe; patients could talk to hospital consultants down an internet video link without leaving home; and children could take classes not available at their local school remotely. We are debating the issue of rural broadband on Budget day. The government's £830m investment in rural superfast broadband will be a great spur for rural communities and help them to make a significant contribution to UK growth. But serious and difficult questions remain. The technological, commercial, financial and legal problems are vast. On the technological front: what part should wireless broadband play? Ofcom has proposed a coverage obligation (for its 800MHz spectrum licence) of 2Mbps for 95 per cent of the UK population. This will leave most rural areas uncovered. We should push for much more. We must ensure that commercial providers work with communities as well as local authorities to extend networks. We must help villages that want a community-owned local loop to overcome the financial and legal obstacles in their way. Some of the most active rural MPs will be participating in this short debate." |
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