MINISTER AGREES TO LOOK AT WILLIAMS BROADBAND SUGGESTION

3.37.46pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 17th Jun 2009

Speaking during Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw's statement on the Government's Digital Britain Report, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Roger Williams MP has asked the Minister to look into broadband extension technology.

Broadband extension technology could lead to people living up to 17km (10 miles) away from an exchange are able to receive the minimum standard of 2Mb/s broadband set out by the Government in their report.

In answer to Mr William's question, the Minister committed to look at broadband extension technology as part of the consultation on the report.

Commenting, Roger Williams said:

"Many people in rural Wales are missing out on broadband because of poor line quality, often caused by distance from the exchange.

"If broadband extension technology is successful it could be a good way of meeting the commitment to universal service by 2012, and I am pleased the Minister agreed to look into this technology.

"It is absolutely essential that the Government do all they can to extend broadband in rural areas, and I will continue to raise this issue to ensure that rural broadband provision stays at the top of the Government's agenda."

Notes

Text of Roger Williams's question:

Mr. Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): A number of hon. Members believe that rural communities will be at the end of the queue when it comes to sharing the benefits of IT. However, in Scotland, a new technology is being tested called broadband extension technology, which would mean that people living 17 km from an exchange could achieve the minimum guarantee. Will the Minister ensure that that technology is developed as fully as possible and rolled out as soon as possible?

Mr. Bradshaw: I will happily look at the technology that the hon. Gentleman has mentioned and reflect that as part of the consultation.