North West Essex Fibre Needs Improvement

The fibre infrastructure roll-out in the UK could be improved in north west Essex, an MP has said.

17:57 18 February 2018

A fibre infrastructure being rolled out by the county council in partnership with Gigaclear and Openreach is not reaching as many homes and businesses as others would have hoped. Kemi Badenoch, MP for Saffron Walden, said that more still needs to be done in Uttlesford.

Ms Badenoch said: “I’m pleased to see such positive figures for broadband coverage across the UK, but we can do better in north west Essex.

 

“Local economies like ours rely on a level playing field in digital infrastructure. I have continually questioned the secretary of state on what provisions he is making for those who will not receive the same service as others in the Superfast Essex scheme, and I will continue to push hard at both a local and national level for us not to be forgotten.”

 

Essex county councillor Kevin Bentley, deputy leader and cabinet member for economic growth, skills, infrastructure and the digital economy, admits that the council needs to do more. He said: “Superfast Essex has made tremendous progress in helping our county become better connected and reaching 100,000 homes and businesses is a phenomenal milestone.

 

“We are not complacent and know there is still more to do but this is a fantastic achievement and one we should be proud of.”