MPs question rural broadband coverage delays

MPs have subjected the Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) company to robust questioning on its 'failure to meet targets.'

Members of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee asked questions based on evidence received from the CLA and others. The Committee questioned BDUK on why it had failed to meet it its target of 95 percent coverage by 2015 and its plans for getting broadband into communities that are still not connected.

In evidence to the inquiry into broadband on Wednesday, 10 December, BDUK Chief Executive Chris Townsend said he was looking at a series of options to use satellite that would ensure the Universal Service Commitment (USC) of two Megabits per second (Mbps) would be met. He expected this would be delivered through BT.

CLA Senior Business and Economics Adviser Dr Charles Trotman said: “BDUK must do better. They have failed to meet contracted targets for 90 percent coverage by 2015. It is frustrating because the target itself is not ambitious enough, in terms of coverage or speed of internet to be provided and they have not even met it.

“Every week that goes by thousands of homes and businesses across the countryside are being held back by lack of access to broadband.”


Dr Trotman also commented on the idea of using satellite connection for more remote areas. He said: “BDUK is right to consider alternative technologies such as satellite to deliver access in the most remote rural areas. However, BDUK should not do this through an exclusive contract and taxpayer subsidy to just one provider.

“We have set out our view to the Committee and to BDUK that the quickest, fairest and most cost-effective solution is the voucher scheme piloted in Wales to offer those living and working in the countryside a grant to buy a satellite solution.”