South Cambridgeshire is one of the most affluent parts of the country, and led the world in the battle against the worst pandemic of modern times. But too often, residents struggle to even make a simple phone call or download an email.
Responding to my survey, 83% of South Cambridgeshire residents rated signal across the constituency as poor or very poor. A further 60%+ suggested they had poor broadband. I heard stories of businesses struggling, havoc with bookings, issues informing schools of children’s illnesses and people simply unable to call friends and relatives. At a time when more and more people are choosing to work from home, it is vital they are given the tools they need to do their job well.
I very much welcome the current Government emphasis on finding those areas hardest to reach. There is a real divide in South Cambridgeshire, where it has become a postcode lottery to secure the best connection speeds. This programme is not only a step in the right direction, but a leap towards faster speeds for everyone - the whole of Cambridgeshire will be able to live in the 21st Century. This can only enhance my continued campaign for better broadband and mobile phone signal, and I shall continue to work with the Government, service providers and Connecting Cambridgeshire to ensure everyone in our constituency has access to the services they need.
We need to keep South Cambridgeshire connected. That is why I am currently:
- Backing the Government's manifesto commitment was to deliver nationwide gigabit broadband by 2025.
- Liaising with Connecting Cambridgeshire, a local body committed to improving digital connectivity to drive economic growth
- Pressing for better mobile signal in key areas to support COVID-19 vaccine research.
- Surveying residents to find out where our mobile phone 'not-spots' are.
- Supporting the Government's efforts to create shared signal masts in South Cambridgeshire and across the country.
For more detail on many of these campaigns, click the icons to the left (below on mobile). See my latest news here.