Matt Warman MP has welcomed the Government’s commitment to provide faster broadband speeds across the country.

The Prime Minister outlined plans to ensure that everyone can access broadband speeds of at least 10Mbps by the end of this Parliament. People will have a legal right to request an affordable, fast connection, regardless of where they live. The Government will also work to bring in a broadband Universal Service Obligation, putting it on a similar footing to other essential services like electricity and water.

The announcement follows calls by MPs from all of the main parties and from across the country for the Government to invest in broadband during a recent backbench business debate, led by Matt and called for by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Broadband and Digital Communication, which he Co-Chairs with Ian Liddell-Grainger MP.

David Cameron said, ‘Access to the internet shouldn’t be a luxury; it should be a right – absolutely fundamental to life in 21st century Britain. That is why I’m announcing a giant leap in my digital mission for Britain. Just as our forebears effectively brought gas, electricity and water to all, we’re going to bring fast broadband to every home and business that wants it. That’s right: we’re getting Britain – all of Britain – online, and on the way to becoming the most prosperous economy in the whole of Europe.’

Matt said, ‘There isn’t a single aspect of government or everyday life that isn’t being transformed by digital technology, but slow broadband in rural and some urban areas leaves many people behind. MPs have come under huge pressure from constituents to sort out this increasingly urgent problem, and I’ve been one of many campaigning on it in Parliament.

‘The Government’s response shows that they understand mobile and broadband providers must do more. A 10Mbps minimum service obligation will finally bring not-spots up to the standard a modern economy needs, and it is a huge improvement on what is currently available to many people.

‘This announcement is particularly welcome for my area of Lincolnshire where, despite good progress in the overall roll-out of faster broadband, we still have areas which suffer very slow connections. The faster speeds will ensure that local families, communities and businesses can stay online and reap the benefits provided by a good quality broadband connection.’