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Our broadband needs quick fix [Evening Gazette (UK)]
[September 17, 2014]

Our broadband needs quick fix [Evening Gazette (UK)]


(Evening Gazette (UK) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) COMMUNICATIONS giant Virgin Media has pledged to look again at delivering superfast broadband to a Stockton community after pressure from residents and their MP.

A recent survey of residents on Hardwick's new estate has shown overwhelming demand for superfast broadband.

The research identifies up to 17 streets where households are unable to access the latest broadband because the necessary cables were not laid when their homes were built on the new estate.

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham, whose office carried out the survey, has now written to Virgin telling the company it is time they delivered it.

Alex stepped up his campaign to bring superfast broadband internet to the new parts of the estate after asking more than 180 residents, not on any of the main networks, for their views.

Around 43% of those surveyed said they'd buy a better service if it was available, proving the commercial viability of such a scheme.

Having surveyed approximately 180 new-build homes, Mr Cunningham received responses from 76 households, all of whom categorically stated that they would upgrade to superfast broadband if it was made available.

He said: "After nearly two years of lobbying for progress on this issue, I was delighted earlier this year when Stockton Council agreed to remove the barriers which had previously existed to Virgin installing the appropriate cables in the street.



"Sadly, however, Virgin Media still seem reluctant to invest in the necessary infrastructure, despite the removal of obstacles which had previously been cited." Virgin told residents previously they were unable to lay the cables in the area until Stockton Council had formerly adopted the roads.

Hardwick Green resident Heather Willis, 29, is one of a number of residents who have complained about the lack of superfast broadband to Virgin Media.


She said: "I've been trying to get Virgin to install cable since I moved in 2012. I just assumed, with it being a new build, that it was something they'd be bound to do but it never happened.

"I contacted them about a year ago and they told me they had no plans to put the cables in my area. They said it was something to do with not having the funds for any more installation projects.

"I'm pleased Mr Cunningham's now sent out this survey because I know some of my neighbours are also keen to have faster internet. Hopefully enough people will have shown they're interested that Virgin will have to take notice." Emma Hutchinson, Virgin Media spokesperson, said: "We're always looking for the right opportunities to grow and bring Virgin Media's superfast broadband to even more homes.

"We make sure we expand our network in the right way so we can deliver good value services to our customers but we will take another look at Hardwick Green." Mr Cunningham said: "It is my hope that by working together we can achieve an outcome favourable to both Virgin Media and my constituents." (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved.

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