Caroline Flint welcomes broadband victory

10 September 2004

Don Valley MP Caroline Flint has hailed a victory in the campaign to ensure every community can receive broadband internet access.

Said Ms Flint: "For a long time, many villages in my constituency have been unable to obtain fast internet access because their home is too far from a local BT exchange. My constituency includes over 20 villages, many of whom have been denied broadband internet access. News that BT aims to provide broadband to 99.4% of homes by summer 2005 is great news and a real breakthrough."

The Don Valley MP has been lobbying BT to ensure that residents in outlying areas are not excluded from broadband internet access. The problem has beset small villages like Micklebring and Braithwell and even towns like Bawtry.

Said Ms Flint: "The Government wants as many households to have high speed internet access as possible. Presently, 99.4% of households have TV reception. BT's decision will raise broadband availability to 99.4% of households, the highest ADSL availability among the G7 countries."

Residents who want to check availability of broadband in their area can do so via the BT website www.bt.com/broadband.

BT delivers Broadband to Bawtry

13 September 2004

Don Valley MP Caroline Flint has welcomed the confirmation that Bawtry will be ready to go on broadband by 6 October.

The MP said: "In the battle to get fast internet access across my Don Valley constituency, this is the largest piece of the jigsaw to be put in place."

Ms Flint had pursued BT after Bawtry town councillors complained that BT's Bawtry exchange was unable to provide fast internet access.

Said Ms Flint: "I have contacted one business who tried to secure broadband for Bawtry , and who finally gave up and relocated. More businesses are dependent on first rate communications than ever before. I want everyone to know that from 6 October, Bawtry is back in business. Residents who want to go on broadband should place an order with their internet provider, who will arrange for an engineer to visit their home."

Residents who want to check availability of broadband in their area can do so via the BT website www.bt.com/broadband.