Improving rural broadband

Rural broadband and connectivity was at the top of the agenda when Macclesfield MP, David Rutley met in Kettleshulme with Jack Douglass, Local Delivery Lead for Building Digital UK (BDUK).

David heard how up to 16,000 properties in Cheshire, including around 1,800 in the constituency, will be incorporated into plans for gigabit-capable broadband. 

A number of local residents have contacted David, to highlight the challenges they have faced accessing full-fibre broadband in rural villages such as Kettleshulme, Gawsworth, Rainow and Mottram St Andrew. David recognises the importance of faster broadband connectivity, especially with more local residents working remotely. 

David also met with, Mr Rob Cloughley, owner of the Swan Inn, who set out the difficulties businesses face with limited internet capability in rural settings when customers try to make card payments. 

David has previously been in contact with internet providers such as Openreach, for clarity on their future rollout plans. He has also met with the Chief Executive of BDUK, to discuss the Government’s commitment to deliver major digital infrastructure programmes to improve connectivity across the UK, through Project Gigabit, a £5 billion programme to enable hard-to-reach communities access gigabit-capable broadband by 2030.

Meeting in Kettleshulme, Mr Douglass set out how the Macclesfield area falls mainly in the Cheshire Project Gigabit procurement area, with Kettleshulme being part of the Peak District plans. David was pleased to hear that through both rollout plans, as many as 21,000 properties could be covered by full-fibre broadband through Project Gigabit supported by £53m of investment. 

Mr Douglass informed David that the outline plans are due to be finalised by March 2024 and the aim is for all properties to be connected in the next 3-5 years. More information on the rollout plans, can be found using the following link, https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/building-digital-uk. 

Speaking after the meeting, David said “During the pandemic, with more people working remotely, we saw even more clearly how important reliable and fast internet is. It is vital that all local residents in our area, both in urban and rural settings, can access faster broadband. I am pleased plans are being taken forwards, however, it is important they remain on track and residents are regularly updated on progress in their area – I look forward to working with the BDUK team over the months ahead.”