Agenda item

Daniel Shamplin-Hall, Adviser, introduced the item and set out recent work and activity in the area. He advised members that LGA officers were continuing to lobby government to reaffirm their commitment to the Universal Service Obligation (which would give all residents the right to a speed of 10mbps). The government would choose a provider to deliver this. The Up-to-Speed Campaign would continue to be developed and would push the LGA’s lines on the upcoming Digital Economy Bill. As a next step, the Chief Executive of Ofcom, Sharon White, would be invited to the next board meeting to discuss Ofcom’s plans for lobbying on the Digital Economy Bill.

Mobile provision and the problems with coverage levels in rural areas were discussed. He talked about EE’s proposals to roll out the emergency network, and it was suggested that an event on mobile connectivity could be organised.

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

·         There was concern that speeds/download speeds in some areas were actually becoming worse.

·         Members asked what the current position was on rolling out 4G to 98% of people by 2017. Officers advised that they would contact Ofcom to find out what progress had been made on this.

·         Support was expressed for sending an invitation to Sharon White, CEO of Ofcom, to attend the next board meeting.

·         It was highlighted that many coastal areas were experiencing the same problems with connectivity as rural areas.

·         EE and the emergency network were discussed and the recent takeover of EE by BT. Members emphasised that there needed to be enough competition for a good service to be provided.

·         Members expressed concern that speeds were still below 10mbps in some areas and that there was limited capacity in cabinets to improve this.

·         Members asked how data on coverage figures was being collected. Although Superfast Broadband had been rolled out earlier in the year, not all houses were connected and in some cases it was taking 3 to 6 months to connect them.

·         It was suggested that areas with continuing problems look at setting a meeting between Ofgem, BT and the local MP.

·         Future proofing was important to consider as the internet would develop and residents/businesses would need more speed and capacity. There was already a risk of building a system incapable of responding to modern demands.

·         Members requested that digital inclusion to be part of the lobbying line on the Digital Economy Bill.

Decisions:

1.    Members noted the report.

2.    It was agreed that the CEO of Ofcom would be invited to attend the next board meeting.

Actions:

1.    Officers to take forward work in line with members’ steers.

2.    Officers to contact Ofcom to find out the progress on rolling out 4G coverage to 98% of people by 2017.

3.    Officers to invite Sharon White, CEO of Ofcom, to attend the next board meeting.