Ministers Call for Better Broadband

Government ministers urge local councils to deliver better broadband and mobile connectivity to residents and businesses ASAP.

10:33 10 September 2020

Local Government Minister Simon Clarke and Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman have teamed up to encourage local councils to take all necessary measures to make sure that gigabit broadband and 5G mobile technology will become available to residents and businesses as soon as possible. 

 

The two ministers have written to local authorities urging them to follow new government advice on land access and valuations so deals granting access for new infrastructure on public land can be reached quicker. The central government also wants local councils to take steps to help residents fully understand the benefits that 5G technology can offer. 

 

Mr Warman said: "We want to help people get access to fast and reliable connectivity. It is a top priority for this government. 

 

"Councils have a vital role to play in the rollout of digital infrastructure and while there is a good work going on up and down the country, there is more we can do.

 

"Today, I'm writing to local authorities with new guidance and advice to help them break down some of the barriers to rollout and give them the tools they need to quell quack theories about 5G." 

 

Mr Clarke added: "Councils play a critical role in delivering high-speed broadband and this new guidance will help them roll out this vital infrastructure more easily. 

 

"I want councils up and down the country to ensure their communities benefit from faster internet connections and better connectivity. 

 

"This will help to drive growth locally and is part of this Government's mission to level up every area of our country and help local areas to recover after the pandemic."