BROADBAND ACCESS

Early day motion 1251, tabled 20 May 2004 by Michael Connarty (Labour). Signed by 38 members.

That this House notes with pleasure that the United Kingdom has already achieved a broadband network that covers a geographical area where 90 per cent. of the population live, making UK coverage higher than any other G7 country; commends the Government and the providers for their efforts alongside the Communications Workers Union, Connect, Amicus and other trades unions and civic groups who consistently campaigned to increase provision of suitable broadband networks and to encourage take-up of broadband services; notes that BT has stated it aims to enable 99 per cent. of its network for broadband; recognises that it is still the duty of Government to ensure that all educational and civic facilities are provided with sufficient compatible ICT resources to empower people of all ages to gain the skills that will allow the full use of broadband technology for the future economic and social growth of society; and calls on the Government to commit itself to provide the necessary resources to ensure a 100 per cent. coverage of broadband as part of a universal service and the highest achievable take-up and use of the technology by British business and British citizens.

Signatures by party: Labour 30, Labour/Co-operative 4, DUP 2, Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1.