Caroline Spelman MP has welcomed Government action to invest £1 billion in UK fibre-optic broadband infrastructure and 5G technology. The announcement was made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, in the Autumn Statement on Wednesday.
Across Solihull and Warwickshire, superfast broadband is reaching an increasing number of homes and now covers around 90% of all homes and businesses.
Speaking to MPs in the House of Commons on Wednesday, the Chancellor said: “Our future transport, business and lifestyle needs will require world class digital infrastructure to underpin them. So my ambition is for the UK to be a world leader in 5G.
“That means a full-fibre network; a step-change in speed, security and reliability.
“And from April we will introduce 100% business rates relief for a 5 year period on new fibre infrastructure, supporting further roll out of fibre to homes and businesses”.
The Coventry, Solihull, and Warwickshire Superfast Broadband Scheme, which is financed by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, and is responsible for the roll out of broadband infrastructure in the borough, aims to supply 93% of households and businesses in the Solihull and Warwickshire area with fibre optic superfast broadband by March 2016.
However, Meriden MP, Dame Caroline Spelman, who met with the Culture Secretary Karen Bradley earlier this week, is hopeful that new investment will encourage further progress in this area; ensuring that 100% of homes and businesses in the Meriden constituency will have access to broadband services in the future.
Dame Caroline said: “I was delighted to meet with Karen Bradley, the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport, in parliament earlier this week and I welcome this substantial package of investment by the Chancellor, Phillip Hammond, into superfast broadband infrastructure.
“In this digital age, the simple fact is that for many homes and businesses in Meriden constituency reliable access to the internet is a necessity – ensuring that local people can stay connected and business can thrive in new competitive markets.
“The Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire superfast broadband scheme has made significant progress in ensuring that local homes have access to viable digital infrastructure, and I am pleased that around 90% of homes in the Meriden constituency now benefit from superfast broadband services. However, there is still more to do to improve access for homes in our area and I am determined to ensure that local residents benefit from these new measures”.