Extra commitments on broadband

Some parts of our area are broadband "not spots", where residents struggle with connection speeds slower than 2 Mbps. The picture varies massively, sometimes even within communities. Some places have been helped in the first phase of the Government's Broadband UK project - it was recently announced that businesses at Westerleigh Business Park  should be able to order superfast Broadband from next spring. Others, such as Tytherington and Tortworth, have been prioritised for the second phase, although there are no guarantees.

It's clear that even Phase 2 of the project won't give everyone fast broadband though and that's why when we came to vote on it earlier this week, the Lib Dems made some additional proposals, which Westerleigh ward councillor Claire Young was pleased to second. These included looking into the possibility for DIY/community broadband schemes, with the use of grants or vouchers.

Our colleague, Sue Hope, drafted the proposals. She said afterwards, “We have secured promises from the Council to work with BT to improve communication with residents and to investigate alternatives schemes and technology so that rural areas are not entirely dependent on BT’s plans. We have also asked the Council to lobby government to ensure that future public contracts of this kind are more transparent, so that residents know what is happening with their services."

There is understandable frustration that, while some in South Gloucestershire are now enjoying access to superfast broadband, many rural residents are stuck in the slow-lane. We're pleased we were able to get these extra commitments from the Council but there is still a long way to go. To back our 'mind the gaps' campaign for improved broadband coverage, sign up on the website:

http://mindthegaps-ldthornburyandyate.nationbuilder.com/