§ Michael FabricantTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the likelihood of achieving 100 per cent. broadband coverage by non-wireless connection by the end of 2005; and if she will make a statement. [156464]
§ Mr. TimmsThe Government's call in November 2003 for Government, public bodies and broadband providers to bring broadband to every community in the UK by the end of next year was supported by BT and other industry stakeholders.
By January 2004, broadband either by cable or ADSL was available to 85 per cent. of households and that is almost certain to rise to 90 per cent. this year. Decisions on the type of networks to be deployed are predominately for the market. It is likely that wireless will make a contribution to 100 per cent. availability.
The Government are making a significant contribution to ensure 100 per cent. broadband coverage is achieved. Between 2003 and 2006 public services will be 789W spending £1 billion on broadband connectivity. The Regional Aggregation Bodies (trading as Adits) are using their buying power to bring broadband to new and previously untenable areas and the Regional Development Agencies will be spending or committing a further £235 million to broadband development by 2006. This will provide opportunities for further investment by industry using a range of appropriate technical solutions, including alternatives to ADSL and cable—for example, powerline and satellite in addition to wireless.