Bruce calls for better broadband access for North East
November 26, 2009 3:30 PM
Speaking in the House of Commons, Gordon Liberal Democrat MP Malcolm Bruce has expressed his concerns about current broadband speeds in the North East.
Following a recent survey published by the Top 10 Broadband website which claims that Aberdeen and Inverness' internet connections are slower than Glasgow and Edinburgh the MP asked the Scottish Secretary of State, Jim Murphy MP to investigate.
Mr Bruce has expressed his concerns about current broadband speeds in the North East
In particular Mr Bruce spoke of his concern for Aberdeen and Shire businesses saying:
"Will …recognise that high-tech global industries operate out of Aberdeen and need to have the same access as the best in the UK?"
The Scottish Secretary agreed that more is to be done to ensure that broadband access is universal for domestic and business customers across Aberdeen and beyond.
Afterwards the MP for Gordon said:
"According to the Top 10 Broadband website, broadband speeds in Aberdeen and Inverness are running at about half the rate of Glasgow and Edinburgh, and that BT does not know why.
"This is not only unacceptable for consumers who pay the same rates as other households in other parts of the country but also for local businesses who are trying to compete in a global market. We need the government to start delivering on their promises outlined in the recent Digital Britain White Paper. In the meantime I will be writing to BT to ask for their assessment of the situation."
ENDS
Editor's notes
Malcolm Bruce was speaking in the House of Commons chamber on Wednesday:
25th November 2009 Col.514. The Hansard extract follows:
Malcolm Bruce (Gordon) (LD): Is the Secretary of State aware of The Press and Journal report today that, according to the Top 10 Broadband website, broadband speeds in Aberdeen and Inverness are running at about half the rate of Glasgow and Edinburgh, and that BT does not know why? Will he undertake to find out why, and recognise that high-tech global industries operate out of Aberdeen and need to have the same access as the best in the UK?
Mr. Murphy: The right hon. Gentleman, again, makes a really important point, and the issue of access to broadband for business and domestic users is crucial. The figures that I have show, however, that despite that worrying report in the newspaper, Aberdeen is ahead of most Scottish cities. The fact is that less than half of people in Dundee and Edinburgh have access to super-fast broadband, and less than one third have access in Glasgow. Aberdeen is in a much stronger position, but we are determined to ensure that there is universal access in Aberdeen and beyond.
** ENDS**
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