Gregory Stafford MP has met the Minister for Digital Economy to press the case for faster rollout of gigabit-capable broadband across the constituency, including Farnham, Bordon, Haslemere, Liphook and surrounding villages.
With the Government’s flagship subsidy scheme, Project Gigabit, due to conclude in September, Gregory used the meeting to underline the urgency of getting remaining communities connected. He placed particular emphasis on properties within the Frensham exchange area and historic military estates in Bordon, where connectivity challenges have persisted.
To strengthen his case, Gregory recently launched a petition highlighting the number of residents and businesses still without reliable high-speed broadband. He presented this directly to the Minister, alongside evidence of his successful efforts to secure Government intervention for hundreds of properties across the constituency.
The Minister confirmed that the Government remains committed to expanding coverage, with a further update on local rollout expected in May.
Alongside pushing Ministers for answers, Gregory is also working directly with providers to make sure no area is overlooked. Because areas are only eligible for support where there are no commercial rollout plans, he has written to Openreach and is engaging with other suppliers to clarify their intentions ahead of the September deadline.
As the Minister is new to post, Gregory also shared the results of last year’s constituency-wide connectivity survey, which highlighted the scale of the challenge not just for broadband but for mobile coverage. While recent upgrades have been secured in Farnham, Bordon, Churt, Grayshott and Hindhead, he made clear that more needs to be done. He has asked for direct Government intervention and will continue to push for further action.
Gregory will next meet officials from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology in the constituency, ensuring that those responsible for delivery can see firsthand the areas still being left behind.
Gregory's petition on broadband remains open, and he is encouraging as many constituents as possible to sign and further the case for faster, more reliable broadband and mobile signal.
