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The Rt Hon Malcolm Bruce MPLiberal Democrat MP for Gordon |
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MP Bruce meets BT to seek Broadband assurances
September 6, 2008 9:00 AM
Mr Bruce is to meet with BT representatives to discuss broadband provision in Gordon 'not-spots'
Gordon MP Malcolm Bruce is to meet with BT to discuss access to broadband services following discussions with constituents in Leslie, Collieston, Lumsden and Keig during his summer surgeries.
Mr Bruce said:
"I look forward to discussing these ongoing problems with BT representatives later this month- it's clear that we need to look at how we can move these issues forward. Rural businesses which allow people to work from home are good for the environment as well as the local economy but they need access to the right technologies to do this.
"When it comes to high-speed broadband I fully understand why my constituents- many of whom are trying to develop their small businesses- are frustrated at continually being told 'soon'.
The MP added;
"Although there has been limited investment for rural businesses from the Scottish Government under the Reach Project and BT has referred to the potential of fibre-optic cables -currently being piloted- this is providing little comfort to those rural communities who are situated further away from the ASDL exchange. I have been made aware of some businesses having to resort to other means of sending their information because of the slow and unreliable service.
"I also hope to determine from BT why Collieston's exchange was seemingly upgraded in April this year to enable speeds of up to 8MB/s, in comparison to the 0.5MB/s that some customers had been receiving, and yet the residents of Collieston have not yet seen any improvement in their service."
"I hope any other constituents who are also experiencing problems will come forward so we can provide BT with as many case studies as possible and add weight to the argument for a better service."
For those who currently receive a service and would like to check their connection speed, a number of websites are available that offer a free broadband connection analysis tool such as www.speedtest.net/ .
Ahead of the meeting on the 16th September, Mr Bruce has encouraged any other constituents affected to approach him by contacting the office in Inverurie on 01467 623413 or emailing: milsomr@parliament.uk .
ENDS
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