Broadband for the Rural North campaign

Motion Text

That this House commends Broadband for the Rural North’s (B4RN) non-profit, community-led approach to developing Fibre To the Premises (FTTP) networks, which has connected 9000 properties across Cumbria, Lancashire and Northumberland; notes the Government’s intention to deliver a minimum of 85 per cent gigabit-capable coverage across the UK by 2025 through Project Gigabit; realises that the model of community-led ISPs, such as B4RN, do not fit with the conditions placed upon Regional and Local suppliers through Project Gigabit; further notes that the deadline for individuals to register for the Voucher Scheme is 24th September 2021; and calls on the Government to ensure the future of Community Benefit Society ISPs by moving areas where they are already actively engaged into Conditional White procurement categories.