MOBILE BROADBAND ACCESS

Motion Text

That this House urges the Government to ensure that Ofcom's upcoming auction of 4G broadband frequencies provides universal access with approved exceptions; is concerned that the current proposals to provide at least 98 per cent coverage or to match 2G cover as extended by the Government's Mobile Infrastructure Programme would leave at least half a million people without coverage and may only guarantee this coverage on one given network provider; stresses the importance of access to broadband services on multiple networks in any one area to avoid monopolies and encourage competition; requests that the Government ensures any licensees will be obliged to carry the services of other operators; recognises the importance of access to mobile broadband for businesses in rural areas, which are vital tothe UK'seconomy; is concerned by evidence from a recent RSA and Lancaster University study in Cumbria showing the detrimental impact of a widening digital divide on citizens and public services in rural areas; highlights the success of countries including Sweden in achieving universal 3G coverage; and calls on the Government to follow their example in the UK to prevent a digital divide.