Foord: Local communities’ broadband left lagging behind

Tiverton & Honiton MP Richard Foord has expressed outrage at poor broadband connectivity in local communities across the South West, as new research reveals local communities are left lagging.

The research, published by the House of Commons Library this week, reveals that in all but one area of the constituency, the average download speed is amongst the slowest 30% in the UK.

The average download speeds range from 36.5 Megabits per second (Mbps) in Sidbury, Offwell & Beer to 93.8MBps in Dunkeswell, Upottery & Stockland. The overall average is 56.9Mbps - dramatically lower than the UK average of 111.6Mbps.

The findings show that the average number of premises across Tiverton & Honiton with gigabit availability is 49.6% compared to a national average of 71.9%. There are also local villages like Northleigh who are still waiting for the rollout of the more basic full fibre broadband.

In response to these shock findings, local MP Richard Foord is calling for the Government to step up action and deliver on their promise to rollout Gigabit broadband to rural communities.

Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord said:
“Nowadays, having a fast and reliable internet service is just as important as having access to local bank branch, a regular bus service, or clean waterways.

“The contrast in broadband speeds across our towns and villages is harmful to both businesses and communities. Many people struggle to get a reliable connection, and this impacts their ability to access things like online banking, to work from home, and stay in touch with loved ones.

"The Conservatives have been promising for years that we would see a mass rollout of Gigabit broadband of at least 85% by 2025. Yet these figures show that once again local people across the South West are being taken for granted and left behind, as other areas speed ahead.

"For far too long, people in our part of the world have been neglected by the Conservatives in Westminster, who simply do not understand the challenges we face on a daily basis. We need to see real action to fix this situation and to help our communities get online."