“Broadband for all”, say Cornish MPs
Cornish MPs have today called on residents to contact them if they are currently unable to receive a broadband connection to the internet.
The group of Liberal Democrats is currently compiling evidence for a number of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) who are being considered by the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) to provide new and improved internet connections to the people of Cornwall.
All five Cornish MPs have requested a meeting with the SWRDA to discuss the issue, in advance of funding being allocated for any new broadband provision. They are calling for patches without any coverage at all to be made a priority.
Commenting North Cornwall’s MP, Dan Rogerson, said:
“Cornwall is the best connected rural area in the country and this is something we can be proud of. However, it’s just not acceptable that there are still places with no coverage at all.
“In the 21st century, even the most remote farm should be able to get a good broadband speed.
“High-speed broadband connections are vital not only to individuals but to the Cornish economy as a whole. By ensuring not only that we improve the speed of existing connections but also extend access from the current high rate to 100% we can ensure Cornwall is in the best possible position to buck the recession and mount a strong economic recovery.
“I encourage anyone that has any ideas on the future of broadband in Cornwall to get in contact with myself or their local MP, so that my Lib-Dem colleagues and I can present evidence to the ISPs currently being considered by the Regional Development Agency.”
Andrew George MP for the West Cornwall constituency of St Ives and the Isles of Scilly added:
“Cornwall is the poorest region in the UK. This is an area of policy in which the Government can help most by helping us get ahead of the game”.
Notes:
· Cornwall has broadband coverage of 99% according to ACTnow, the non-profit making partnership, led by Cornwall Enterprise and paid for with European Objective One funding. Yet the most rural parts of the Duchy remain disconnected.
· ACTnow’s main function is to promote economic development in Cornwall through the use of broadband internet and IT solutions. Since 2002 the organisation has been working to bring broadband access to Cornish business and Communities and as a result Cornwall can boast an above the national average ADSL broadband penetration rate of 46%.
