The paucity of the digital infrastructure in the constituency is something that has been an issue throughout my time as an MP.
When I first became the MP in 2008 it was mobile phone signals that were the issue. Coverage was very poor and, although some people relished being able to get away from constant calls in some blackspots, it quickly became a much bigger issue as we became generally more dependent on such communicaitons. I am pleased that this has greatly improved over the years.
However digital communications have moved a long way over the years and the demand for ever increasing speeds has grown. We are now dependent on the internet for so many things from business and education to health care and welfare access. Many people rely on it for entertainment, shopping and access to general information. It is an issue on which I have lobbied continually on behalf of the constituency as a whole and for specific communities.
Through various government schemes, and some commercial input, coverage has improved as the infographic accompanying this article shows. None the less as I step down as the MP there are still active queries on behalf of some communities who remain impoverished by the provision to them.
Having superfast broadband is not a luxury; it is an essential utility. Great progess has been made and I trust that the future Government will do all that it can to close the gaps to ensure equality of access for all.
