BROADBAND CONNECTION

Early day motion 334, tabled 10 December 2002 by Lord Willis of Knaresborough (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 28 members.

That this House is concerned that lack of access to broadband is seriously affecting the ability of UK businesses to compete in an ever more competitive market place; regrets that the roll out of broadband is determined mainly by volume of requests rather than customer need and that this is hampering roll out in smaller communities such as Harrogate or Knaresborough where demand is statistically high; is concerned that recent advertising campaigns by BT to connect to broadband create expectations that cannot currently be met; and calls on the Government to seek urgent talks with BT and other network providers to establish a swifter and fairer roll out of broadband than is currently planned.

Signatures by party: Labour 12, Liberal Democrat 11, Labour/Co-operative 2, Scottish National Party 2, Conservative 1.