Rural Broadband

I know that for many areas in Stratford-on-Avon, the broadband speed is far from super-fast. That's why I'm making sure the local Broadband Partnership, which is responsible for contracting with BT and delivering on the Government’s targets, is held to account.

The Government's rural broadband programme is now focused on delivery, with the local contract signed with BT. I am pleased that now, over 90 per cent of UK premises are now able to connect to superfast broadband, and we are on track to reach 95 per cent by the end of next year. However I recognise that this is not felt in all parts of the constituency and that more needs to be done to address this.

The Government announced £1 billion of investment in rural broadband in the 2016 Autumn Statement. This will support the private sector to roll out more full-fibre broadband over the next 5 years and support trials of 5G mobile communications. Alongside this, the Government is providing a new 100 per cent business rates relief for new full-fibre infrastructure for a 5 year period from April 2017.

Superfast broadband in Warwickshire is being implemented by Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire (CSW) Superfast Broadband. You are able to check the status of your area and any future development plans by putting your postcode into the map on this page on CSWBroadband’s website: http://www.cswbroadband.org.uk/your-area/broadband-checker/