§ Mr. FlookTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what initiatives her Department has to extend the availability of broadband internet provision to rural Somerset; and if she will make a statement.[73260]
§ Stephen TimmsWe are working with the Broadband Stakeholder Group to help industry increase availability and take-up of broadband throughout the country.
As part of this strategy, we have provided £30 million to the RDAs and DAs to help develop innovative solutions for extending networks into areas considered commercially unattractive. The South West RDA received £3.78 million for such projects, details of which can be found on the DTI web site.
On top of this we are acting to improve the business case for service providers in rural areas by examining how the public sector can most effectively procure its own broadband. On June 26, I announced my intention to establish a new Regional Broadband Unit. Its purpose will be to stimulate economic development and enhance the delivery of public services through extending broadband services at the regional and local level.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of households in the Portsmouth, South constituency have access to broadband lines; and if she will make a statement. [72673]
§ Ms HewittBroadband services by one or more of ADSL, cable and wireless are available to around 66 per cent. of the population. Satellite broadband is available throughout the country.
A map showing geographical availability of broadband services can be found in the UK Online Annual Report [http://www.e-envoy.gov.uk/ukon line/champions/anrep_ menu.htm].
§ Virginia BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of homes can access ADSL broadband services; and what plans she has to ensure an increase in ADSL broadband services. [72394]
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§ Ms HewittAt the end of May 2002, ADSL was available to 66 per cent. of households. We are working with the Broadband Stakeholder Group to help industry increase availability and take-up of broadband in general.
As part of this strategy, we have provided £30 million to the RDAs and DAs to help develop innovative solutions for extending networks into areas considered commercially unattractive. On top of this we are acting to improve the business case for service providers in rural areas by examining how the public sector can most effectively procure its own broadband.
As a result of the Government's policy of promoting greater competition in broadband services, prices for broadband in the UK are now as cheap as in France, Germany and the US, following recent wholesale price cuts. Taking DSL alone, prices fell by 39 per cent. between January and June, meaning that UK prices are cheaper for DSL than in France and Germany.
More recently, I announced my intention to establish a new Regional Broadband Unit. Its purpose will be to stimulate economic development and enhance the delivery of public services through extending broadband services at the regional and local level.