Agenda item

Philip Clifford, Senior Adviser, introduced the report in the absence of Daniel Shamplin-Hall (Adviser). He outlined the key issues in the paper; highlighting recent work to shape the government’s Universal Service Obligation (USO) and asking members for a steer on proposals for future focus.

Hannah Berry, Campaigns and Marketing Manager, gave a presentation on Superfast Broadband and advised members that the Chair had written to the Culture Minister, Ed Vaizey MP, and a number of other MPs informing them of the campaign’s objectives.

In the discussion which followed, members raised the following points:

·         The online speed test only worked if there was an adequate signal, which was a problem in some areas.

·         Although superfast broadband was increasingly available in rural areas, many residents were unaware of its availability. Members felt service providers could communicate service availability better.

·         There were concerns about individuals waiting several months to be connected, and about the increase in the cost of receiving superfast broadband, which meant some were denied access.

·         Members emphasised that the USO should be rolled out promptly and there should be a minimum standard of broadband speed at peak times.

·         There was concern on where the funds for the USO would come from. Members felt that local government might be expected to fund this and asked that these concerns be communicated to government. 

·         With reference to paragraph 4.3, members highlighted that there were examples of service providers offering to provide a particular speed when they had been unable to do so. This was misleading and should be stopped through tougher regulation.

·         Members requested that minimum values were put in place for download speeds and that a timeframe was set for this.

·         In reference to paragraph 13, members felt that Mobile Network Operators (MNO) should be encouraged to share their commercial roll out plans with councils to help address problems with inadequate broadband and signal provision..

·         Opportunities for communities to work together on broadband provision were discussed, and it was emphasised that a local business plan could encourage service providers to progress with work.

Decision:

1.    Members noted the update and agreed the future focus of the board’s digital connectivity work as outlined in paragraph 17.

Actions:

1.    Officers to talk to the website developers on the problem with taking the Up-to-Speed Campaign speed test if the signal in an area was inadequate.

2.    Officers to take forward work as directed by members.