Julian called for more support to ensure those in the most rural communities are able to access high quality broadband in a debate in the House of Commons.
On Tuesday, Parliament debated the improvements that have been made to secure superfast access for homes and businesses and the MP highlighted the pioneering work that is taking place across Yorkshire connecting nine in ten premises to the high speed network.
He also highlighted the need for more work to ensure the remaining properties are able to access the benefits that superfast, high quality broadband can bring:
“I pay tribute to the Government for the £10 million fund for innovation—North Yorkshire has one pilot project called Airwave—but the Broadband Minister may need to dig a little deeper over the coming months and years in order to top up that fund and get a few more pilot projects going. I pay tribute to LN Communications in North Yorkshire, which, through David Hood and other investors, is trying to deliver solutions.
“This is not just about the Government’s responsibilities; people are taking responsibility themselves. The B4RN project—Broadband for the Rural North—split between Lancashire and Yorkshire has sought out all of the disused wires and cables to make the most of the opportunities to deliver superfast broadband.”
Mr Smith also said it was important to encourage more people to take up the better broadband and ensure they were aware they could choose any provider for their internet access.
The full debate in Parliament can be read in Hansard at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm150203/debtext/150203-0003.htm#15020361000002
