Nus Ghani, MP for Wealden, has met with representatives of BT and Openreach to discuss coverage in Wealden and future improvements to broadband services.
Nus met with Henry Parker, BT’s Senior Manager of Policy & Public Affairs and brought the cases and frustrations of Wealden residents to his attention. The discussion focussed on current levels of coverage in the constituency, weak spots of connection and plans for improvements of service over the coming years.
BT is the legally designated provider to deliver the broadband universal service obligation (USO), which is a legislation that gives eligible UK addresses the right to request a ‘decent’ broadband connection. The Government has defined a decent connection as one that can deliver 10 megabits per second (Mbps). Under the scheme, eligible homes and businesses have a legal right to request a connection, where the cost of building it is no more than £3,400.
BT have sent eligible existing customers in Wealden a letter inviting them to sign up to the scheme. Alternatively, you can check eligibility and apply for the scheme here: www.bt.com/broadband/USO or call 0800 783 0223 to find out more.
BT have also recently invested £12 billion in Openreach. They are using this funding to upgrade 20 million UK homes and businesses to ‘full fibre’ gigabit-capable broadband. You can check for upgrades on the Openreach website here: www.openreach.com/fibre-broadband or call 0800 023 2023.
Nus Ghani said: “Broadband has long been raised by constituents and businesses as one of the top challenges in Wealden and I have been relentless in my work to secure reliable telecom infrastructure and broadband coverage in the constituency. I am pleased that last year, I secured full fibre broadband rollout for Hailsham, Horsebridge, Lower Dicker, Upper Dicker and Forest Row. I will continue working with BT and Openreach on further improvements for those parts of the constituency where connection remains poor. If you are experiencing poor connectivity, please visit the BT or the Openreach website and check if you are eligible for free-of-charge improvements.”
Here are the steps recommended by Ofcom to check if you yourself have done everything possible to address any issues that might be affecting your broadband speed inside your home:
