12/07/2010

Robin Walker MP today met with BT representatives at the House of Commons to discuss broadband problems in Warndon and St John's.

He encouraged them to deliver long-awaited improvements to the exchange in St Johns as soon as possible and raised the concerns of the many local residents who have come to him with their difficulties in getting decent broadband service.

The government has announced an ambitious programme to get more people online championed by Martha Lane Fox, the UK's Digital Champion.

Although, as an urban area, Worcester is better served than some areas of the country, its reliance on old exchanges designed before the advent of the internet and the long distances from some of those exchanges to some neighbourhoods, has meant that high speed broadband remains an unrealised dream for many in the city.

Plans to upgrade the St John's exchange to ADSL 2 are due to take place before the end of the current financial year, but could come sooner, whilst plans to extend fibre optic cables from the exchanges to the cabinets in people's neighbourhoods, which should particularly benefit Warndon and the Warndon Villages, are due early next year.

Robin said

"Throughout my election campaign and since my election, broadband services have been an issue raised with me. It is frustrating for people to be advertised high speed packages but then to find that the infrastructure won't support them. Getting more people online will benefit our economy and help public services to reduce costs. I want to see our whole city enjoying top quality broadband and I am pleased that BT's plans promise to deliver this within the next nine months. I am glad that this can be delivered without cost to the taxpayer but I will be vigilant in holding the company to account, ensuring these promises are delivered upon promptly."

"Worcester deserves better broadband and I am confident, following my meeting today, that we will get it. As MP I will keep pushing for improvements that will benefit our community and remove inequalities such as those that have affected Warndon and St Johns for far too long."