§ 17. Mr. Mark Todd (South Derbyshire)If he will place obligations on telecommunications providers to increase the availability of broadband technologies in rural areas. [105766]
§ The Minister for Small Business and E-Commerce (Ms Patricia Hewitt)We want everyone to have access to affordable modern communications services. The market for broadband services is in the early stages of development and it would not be appropriate at this point to impose new service obligations.
§ Mr. ToddA critical foundation for diversification will be access to broadband technologies in the development of IT-based and media-based industry activity. The availability of such technologies for those purposes and for leisure is crucially important. Does the Minister share the view that the position must be kept under careful review?
§ Ms HewittI entirely agree with my hon. Friend. We are taking immediate steps to auction third-generation mobile telephony spectrum, and Oftel has agreed with BT on a timetable to open up the local loop to competition, both of which will make a real difference to broadband access throughout the country. Finally, the Government are investing in ICT centres throughout disadvantaged parts of the country, including many rural communities.