Agenda item

This report set out recent LGA activity in relation to the agreed work programme in these areas and set out proposed next steps.

Board members raised the following points in the discussion that followed:

·         Access to fast and reliable broadband is essential for the rural economy to thrive.

·         The lack of competition in the supply chain remains a major concern for councils. Members said it was important that public investment in phase 2 was targeted at places where there was evidence of market failure.

·         Members requested further detail on the recent mobile phone voluntary agreement that will increase access to basic text and voice coverage in rural communities.

·         There are some concerns about BT’s capacity to keep the broadband rollout on track.

·         Members noted that upload speed is as important as download speed for businesses.

·         Advertising should be clearer about the broadband speeds that will be delivered to consumers and businesses.

Decision

The Board noted the report and agreed with the paragraphs 5, 8 and 21 contained in the report.

The Board expressed concern about what they considered was BT’s unacceptable business practices about Broadband speed and deliverability in rural areas.

Action

Officers to take forward the recommendations in line with Members’ steer.