MP launches survey on quality of local broadband and mobile service

04/11/2022

North Oxfordshire’s gigabit-capable broadband coverage lags behind the rest of the county

How fast is your home broadband and how strong is your mobile signal at home?   Banbury’s MP wants to know.

Victoria Prentis has launched a Digital Connectivity Survey.  She is hoping her constituents will complete the survey, which aims to build a comprehensive picture of where broadband and mobile coverage is weak in North Oxfordshire.

In terms of gigabit-capable broadband coverage Mrs Prentis says that our area lags behind the rest of Oxfordshire with coverage 20 percent below the national average.

Its intended that the survey’s findings will be shared with service providers and others in Government to better inform local decision-making.

Within the survey people will be asked to provide information on the broadband speed and mobile signal they are able to access from their home.

Mrs Prentis said: “Access to high-speed broadband and reliable mobile coverage is essential in the modern world. 

“Banbury and Bicester broadly benefit from strong broadband and reliable mobile coverage. However, I know there are many in surrounding villages who have been left behind by the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband and who are frustrated by mobile not-spots.

“Our area has the lowest rate of gigabit-capable broadband coverage in Oxfordshire, and one of the lowest in the South East, with coverage 20 percent below the national average.  It is absolutely vital that my constituents have access to a reliable broadband service. With landline use at an all-time low, we must also work towards universal mobile coverage in line with the Government’s Shared Rural Network programme.

“I am really excited to launch my Digital Connectivity Survey, which is now live on my website. The results will help me build a comprehensive picture of where mobile and broadband coverage is weak in North Oxfordshire.

“I hope as many constituents as possible will respond to my survey – even in areas where broadband and mobile signal are strong – to help inform my findings. I will then share the results with providers and colleagues in Government so that we can work together to improve connectivity across our area.”

The survey can be accessed here.


Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam

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