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Closed Fund fixed wireless broadband setup costs for poorly connected areas

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Ofcom says there are over 500k properties unable to get decent broadband (min 10 Mbps) via landline but over 420k of these could get decent broadband via wireless technology like 4G.

Already available & well-proven alternative broadband solutions must be funded in areas where needs are greatest.

Project Gigabit aims to provide gigabit coverage to 85% of UK properties by end 2025 at a £5 billion cost, but more solutions are needed right now for those left behind.

Alternative solutions that are low-cost & installable anywhere already exist, so funding must be increased or redirected to deploy these.

Using 4G to level up almost all digitally excluded UK premises with life-changing better broadband in a rapid timeframe could only cost £300 per property or under 3% of that £5bn spend.

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  • Related activity

    MPs debate the provision of broadband for rural communities

    On Wednesday 13 December, MPs took part in a Westminster Hall debate on the provision of broadband for rural communities. The debate was led by Chris Loder MP, and the Government Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, Sir John Whittingdale MP, responded to the debate on behalf of the Government.

    What is a Westminster Hall debate?

    Westminster Hall is the second chamber of the House of Commons. Westminster Hall debates give MPs an opportunity to raise local and national issues and receive a response from a government minister. Westminster Hall debates are general debates that do not end in a vote.

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  • Petition closed

  • Related activity

    Share your experiences of accessing broadband services

    On Wednesday 6 September, Alyn Smith MP will lead a debate in Parliament on access to broadband services.

    To inform the debate, he would like to hear how you – or those you know – are impacted by any limits to broadband access.

    He may quote your contribution directly during his debate.

    Find out more and answer our quick survey by midday on Tuesday 5 September:

    Access to broadband services*

    Links to the video, audio and transcript of the debate will be added to this page from 6 September.

    If you are not able to access the webpage/survey, please:

    Email: chamberengagement@parliament.uk

    Call: 0207 219 4132 and leave a message with your contact information.

    What are Westminster Hall debates? 

    Westminster Hall is the second Chamber of the House of Commons.  

    Westminster Hall debates give MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and receive a response from a government minister. Any MP can take part in a Westminster Hall debate. 

    Debates in Westminster Hall take place on ‘general debate' motions expressed in neutral terms. These motions are worded ‘That this House has considered [a specific matter]'. This means that Westminster Hall debates don’t end in a vote on a particular action or decision.

    *This page features deliberately low-bandwidth content.

  • Petition published

    This petition can now be signed.

    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 17 October 2023.