MP Steps Up Campaign for Better Rural Broadband

Tim Farron MP has today stepped up his campaign for a better rural broadband service by calling for a minimum internet speed to be enshrined in law

The South Lakes MP is working on a cross party campaign to improve broadband provision in Cumbria. The Government has promised everyone broadband speeds of at least 2 megabits per second (MBps) by 2015. Tim is keen to bring the broadband to rural communities in the South Lakes sooner - Tim wants the government to commit to enshrine a minimum speed commitment in law and offer communities funding to roll out projects in the South Lakes.

Tim commented: "I have had a large number of enquiries about rural broadband services and it is clear that many homes and businesses feel like they have been ignored in the past by Government and telecoms companies.

I welcome the news that some areas are finding their own solutions but I am eager to keep up the pressure on providers to make sure that all people are able to access appropriate broadband services at effective speeds. Businesses need fast, efficient broadband to allow them to thrive and grow. I am meeting with officials in the Treasury and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to press for speedy progress towards developing high-speed in the South Lakes."