Homing in on Superfast Broadband

A study by the Independent Networks Cooperative Association (INCA) earlier in the summer showed that the Henley constituency (which now runs from the edge of Bicester to the edge of Reading) was likely to be at best only partially served by Next Generation Broadband. The broadband revolution has forgotten too many of our villages. Speeds are so slow that they are practically unusable. It's a problem for many in the constituency. Those wanting to work from home and businesses in a rural area like ours find it difficult. Those that are ill may not be able to get on-line healthcare information. Students often cannot do research for homework and it is cutting people off from the social networking broadband can bring.

I have already held talks with BT to understand the work they are undertaking to ensure the constituency is covered. I have also raised with the county council the possibility of villages being able to use the broadband networks which are associated with village schools and remain unused out of school hours and for large stretches of school holidays. To take this forward I have a plan to

• Identify the examples of how this problem has been solved in other areas
• Keep the pressure up on BT as a key provider to tackle the problem in the constituency as quickly as possible
• Work with other providers to facilitate solutions for the area
• Work with local Parish Councils to identify the not-spots in the constituency and to identify the market for the use of fibre optic cables in local authority facilities such as schools
• Work with the County Council to encourage the use of school facilities
• Work with James Elles MEP on the associated problem of mobile broadband

DEFRA has pointed out that one third of all farmers have no internet access and yet it is increasingly assumed they will file their forms for payment online. It is also a major disadvantage to those without access who cannot download information on weather, disease patterns and market prices - all essential tools of the industry

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