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MPs back 98% 4G coverage proposals
Plans to deliver 4G technology to 98 per cent of the population have been backed by MPs.
Up to six million people across the Britain are currently unable to access good mobile coverage, with many of these citizens living in remote and rural communities.
As part of its proposals for the rollout of 4G mobile broadband technology, Ofcom has said network operators should deliver the service to 98 per cent of consumers, meaning millions of people who currently have no mobile reception will be able to take advantage of next-generation internet connectivity.
The regulator's announcement came shortly after the Department for Culture, Media and Sport hit out at the previously-stated target of 95 per cent 4G coverage, describing this goal as "unambitious".
Mr Soames has welcomed the news, stating it will offer a major boost to residents and businesses in his constituency, bringing decent standards of mobile and broadband service to hundreds of thousands more homes for the first time.
"All this matters very much to us in rural Mid Sussex and West Sussex and will present further outstanding opportunities for business and commerce to continue to create the jobs and prosperity we badly need in our area," he added.
"I have been involved in this campaign for over three years and I am delighted by the outcome."
The proposals have also been backed by Bracknell MP Dr Philip Lee, who has previously hit out at the poor level of broadband access in some parts of the Thames Valley, which is home to ten per cent of the world's information technology businesses.
Dr Lee expressed his delight at the plans and said a proper rural broadband solution will "transform" businesses and the economy by opening up access to services such as online shopping, telemedicine and distance learning.
In particular, the parish of Finchampstead is in desperate need of faster broadband, he claimed.