Shropshire MPs press Minister for Rural Broadband

Shropshire MPs Philip Dunne, Daniel Kawczynski and Mark Pritchard yesterday met Broadband Minister Ed Vaizey MP and officials from Broadband UK, to press the case for Shropshire to be prioritised in roll-out of superfast broadband to the county with improved access to broadband for all.

Following the Government’s allocation of funding last year to facilitate broadband roll-out to those parts of the country not well-served by commercial providers, Shropshire Council has committed matched funding for £8.2 million to ensure it can secure broadband for local communities across the county.

Broadband UK is delivering the Government’s commitment to provide superfast broadband to at least 90 per cent of premises in the UK and to provide universal access to standard broadband with a speed of at least 2Mbps.

Philip Dunne MP said: “We had a very positive meeting with the Minister and now expect Shropshire to reach agreement with BDUK in the near future. Shropshire has the third worst broadband coverage of any county in the country. The Minister responded positively to the case we made backing Shropshire Council’s commitment to match fund the Government allocation of £8.2 million for capital investment in Shropshire. Improving broadband access is vital for economic growth and future provision of public services in Shropshire.”

Daniel Kawczynski MP said: “I am very pleased that good progress is being made on a much needed upgrade for Shropshire’s broadband services. Many constituents I know are prevented from running their business or accessing vital services on the internet because of poor broadband services, especially out in the rural areas. The excellent work by Shropshire Council and the Minister Ed Vaizey therefore is most welcomed, and I look forward to seeing the improvement of broadband services in Shrewsbury through to completion.”

Mark Pritchard MP said: “Faster broadband is vital to ensure Shropshire businesses and residents stay connected over the next decade and beyond. There will be a lengthy roll-out process but the government’s go-ahead is a major first step and very welcome.”

Photo: Mark Pritchard MP, Shropshire Council Director Tom McCabe, Philip Dunne MP, Daniel Kawczynski MP