MP Challenges Minister on Rural Broadband

Winchester MP Mark Oaten has today quizzed Government Minister Stephen Timms on the problem of rural broadband.

At a select committee hearing he asked the Minister when all constituents within Winchester would get broadband. The Minister gave a commitment date of 2012 for total coverage and promised that existing customers would also see faster speeds by that date.

Mark Oaten urged the Minister to consider alternative providers to help reach rural areas and further asked the Minister to consider satellite options and encourage local providers to get involved.

Currently many villages in the Winchester area receive a slow or non existent broadband service and Mark has received a number of complaints from local businesses as well as private individuals.

Mark Oaten commented:

“Rural broadband connections can be incredibly frustrating and having no broadband at all can put individuals at a real disadvantage.

“I’m pleased I had the chance to challenge the Minister on timetables for improving the service.