Access to high-speed broadband and reliable mobile coverage is essential in the modern world.
While Banbury and Bicester broadly benefit from strong broadband and reliable mobile coverage, there are many in surrounding villages who have been left behind by the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband and are frustrated by mobile not-spots. Our area has the lowest rate of Gigabit-capable broadband coverage in Oxfordshire, and one of the lowest in the South East, with coverage 20 percent below the national average. It is absolutely vital that residents have access to a reliable broadband service. We must also work towards achieving universal mobile coverage in line with the Government’s Shared Rural Network programme.
I recently launched a Digital Connectivity Survey to help me build a comprehensive picture of broadband and mobile coverage across the constituency. I will now be compiling the results and sharing with providers and colleagues in Government.