Julian Knight MP has spoken up in Parliament to impress on ministers how important it is that Solihull’s broadband infrastructure receives long-overdue upgrades.
He pointed out, during a debate on the Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill, that for the past two years Solihull has enjoyed a higher rate of growth than China – despite being held back by internet access issues for some of that period.
Julian welcomed the Bill’s provision of £60 million in targeted tax relief, and told the Commons that it would help not only to unlock Solihull’s potential but also provide a vital boost to the ‘Midlands Engine’.
In response Marcus Jones, a local government minister, reported that the Government intended for 91% of households to have superfast broadband by the end of the current rollout period, and that the Government was targeting relief specifically at providers who invested in laying down parts of the new, fibre-optic network.
Commenting, Julian Knight said:
“Solihull is an exporting town with global reach and a huge entrepreneurial spirit – but as a country we’re being let down by out-of-date infrastructure which is unfit for the modern, digital economy.
“Businesses with a strong and reliable internet presence have a huge competitive advantage, and can reach customers and markets all over the world. I’m determined to help more local firms follow in the footsteps of our famous manufacturers, and will continue to fight to make sure they have the tools they need.”