Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, scrutinised the plans of local broadband providers in a Westminster Hall debate on the 13th December. The local MP outlined how many rural residents live in broadband ‘notspots’, despite local broadband providers promising to deliver to those areas.
Mr Loder said: “Rural residents deserve fairness when it comes to accessing reliable, high-speed broadband. But the reality is that, in the great connectivity race, some of our local broadband providers – such as All Points Fibre (formerly Jurassic Fibre) - are willing to neglect the interests of their customers and not complete a contract.”
The local MP added: “Residents living in broadband ‘notspots’, such as Stoke Abbott or the Bride Valley, have the worst 10% connectivity in the country. What’s more, these residents faced being migrated to Voice over Internet Protocol – or “digital voice” services - as copper cabling is retired.”
Mr Loder added: “I’m pleased that, following my intervention, the Minister has announced an immediate pause in the process of migrating customers to “digital voice” services to ensure that the most vulnerable customers, including those in rural areas, are protected. But I’ll continue to push for broadband providers to deliver on their promises, and if they do not, to be properly investigated and disciplined.”
