Rural Internet Infrastructure Motion

This House Recognises

1. That access to the internet is a key part of rural infrastructure.
2. That a November 2014 OFCOM found that urban internet speed was three times faster than rural internet speed, and that whilst fibre internet had caused a 21% increase in speed in urban areas, no such increase as found in rural areas.
3. That 11.7% of UK Premises have access only to a non-LLU, or 'bundled', exchange, which are substantially more likely to impose download limits, and are also more expensive to rent for customers.
4. That the above premises are typically located within rural areas.
5. That one cause of slow internet speeds is the length of copper cable travelled through from exchange to premises, and this distance tends to be substantially longer in rural areas.

This House Urges

1. That the Government prioritises rural areas for internet infrastructure upgrades, such as FTTC (Fibre To The Cabinet).
2. That the Government looks into incentives for LLU Operators to unbundle further exchanges.
3. That the Government invests in research in viable internet solutions which are future-proof, such as satellite internet.

Relevant Source

This motion was written by /u/DF44 on behalf of the 10th Official Opposition.

The reading for this motion will end on the 9th April.