The Digital Secretary, Matt Hancock, has agreed to consider my proposals for fixed wireless alternatives to fibre broadband. My proposals would offer an alternative solution for those still waiting to be connected. Fixed wireless packages have been successfully developed and deployed by local companies, including Quickline, Beeline, Boundless and Moorsweb. They offer decent download speeds and unlike satellite, do not suffer from latency or low data caps.
Last week Superfast North Yorkshire entered into a further contract (Phase 3) with BT as part of the Government’s Superfast Broadband Programme. 84 per cent of premises in the constituency are currently able to benefit from superfast broadband. Phase 3 will take coverage to approximately 95 per cent of premises in North Yorkshire by June 2021.
Although Phase 3 helps connect us to superfast broadband, five per cent of my constituents will remain without access to fibre in the medium to long term. Average download speeds remain 38 per cent lower than the national average. This is not acceptable and I am determined to do something about it.
I would like to see BT develop a fixed wireless strategy for rural areas; they could work with third party suppliers to deliver a holistic solution. I suggested this to the Secretary of State and asked if it would be possible to make funds available for fixed wireless broadband for areas that will not be connected to fibre in the coming years.
Mr Hancock agreed to look into fixed wireless solutions. I look forward to discussing this with him further and, in the meantime, I shall also be writing to Clive Selley, the Chief Executive of Openreach.
This follows Chancellor of the Exchequer announcement that £15.1 million has been allocated to North Yorkshire to help rollout full-fibre.
North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) and its wholly-owned company NYnet had applied for funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s (DDCMS) Local Full Fibre Wave 2 Challenge Fund. This money will connect nearly 400 public sector sites with fibre broadband across 16 towns; the proposed towns include Malton, Norton, Easingwold, Thirsk and Pickering. Fibre rollout is likely to start early next year.
I was delighted, along with my neighbouring MPs, to support North Yorkshire County Council which has worked incredibly hard on this bid with the help of businesses, borough and district councils, health and blue light services. A final agreement will be made with DDCMS following a procurement process to get the best value for North Yorkshire.