Simon met the Mayor this week at the Tees Valley Combined Authority for talks about how to resolve the problem, which sees significant parts of his constituency struggle to achieve the minimum standard mandated by the Universal Service Obligation which the Government will bring into effect.
Simon said, “Good broadband access is a key utility for homes and businesses and yet in parts of East Cleveland you still struggle to get online. I’ve had residents coming to my surgeries in despair about the quality of service they receive and it’s increasingly an embarrassment and an obstacle to growth.
“Delivering high speed broadband to more rural areas is a challenge but one we have to embrace if we’re to allow East Cleveland to fulfil its potential. It was great to sit down with Ben to talk him through some of the worst affected areas and I really hope this is something he will tackle.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said, “Achieving maximum connectivity is a priority for the Combined Authority and as Mayor I’m determined to use the powers and funding available to me to help as many local people as I can. I’m grateful to Simon for highlighting just how bad the situation is in areas of his constituency and will instruct my officials to get on the case.”
