§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on her Department's policy on the proposed de-merger of BT with MmO2 and BT wireless. [8582]
§ Mr. AlexanderThe corporate structure of BT is a matter for the company and their shareholders and not for the Government. However the DTI and the1278W Radiocommunications Agency remain in close touch with BT on the proposals and any regulatory concerns that may emerge.
§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the proposed roll-out of broadband into rural areas. [8583]
§ Mr. AlexanderThe Government are working to ensure that broadband services are available in all parts of the country. To this end we are developing a strategy together with all interested parties. The £30 million fund for regional Development Agencies and the devolved Administrations is focused on extending broadband networks to those who are not offered access by the market, including in rural areas. The Countryside Agency also included broadband access and demand in its "healthchecks" on 100 market towns, while the devolved Administrations are carrying forward their own work on broadband in rural areas with our support and assistance.
In addition, we are examining the scope for aggregating public sector demand in order to speed up the roll-out of broadband services to individuals and businesses in rural and other areas that service providers currently see as uncommercial.