Dan Rogerson MP for North Cornwall

Cornwall could be left behind by ‘Digital Britain’, according to the Duchy’s five Liberal Democrat MPs.  The group has written to newly appointed Secretary of State for Culture, Ben Bradshaw, after attempts to meet with the region’s Development Agency met with resistance from officials.

Cornish MPs are seeking urgent confirmation that a new ‘universal broadband commitment’ announced this week will include all homes and businesses in Cornwall.  The Government’s 260 page report on ‘Digital Britain’ promises a new 50p per month tax on all telephone lines to fund digital improvements but guarantees broadband only for ‘virtually all’ households.

£200m is also to be taken from the budget allocated to helping poorer people upgrade to digital television this year, yet work on new broadband lines could be left to wait until 2012.  In their letter local MPs say, “We have a number of examples in our constituencies where it seems the infrastructure could easily and quickly be provided now, if the will were there… Since all homes are to fall under the Next Generation Fund levy of 50p per month, those who will be charged but not see the benefit at the very least deserve to know who they are.”

Commenting, North Cornwall’s MP, Dan Rogerson said:

“‘Digital Britain’ could be a big opportunity for Cornwall, and other rural areas, to catch up with the broadband services offered in urban centres.

“Yet the Government’s project could all too easily see cities leap ahead, while the countryside limps behind.

“That would be a travesty since it is the most remote areas that are most in need.

“Worse still, our constituents could be left paying the 50p telephone tax and not even see the benefit.”

Falmouth and Camborne MP, Julia Goldsworthy added:

“People left in Cornish broadband ‘notspots’ need urgent assistance now, not warm words about what can be provided by 2012.

“Firms here need fast access to run their businesses, not just to keep up with the Olympics in three years’ time.

“If we’re going to pay the broadband tax, the least we can expect is a universal broadband service.

“But Ministers are guilty of typical Labour hedging about who and where is going to be left behind.”