In response to the news that Merton will receive a share of £10 million from City Hall to boost access to gigabit-speed connectivity for local homes and businesses, local London Assembly Member, Leonie Cooper AM, said:
“With there being only around 3% full-fibre coverage across Merton, this funding will provide a significant boost for households and businesses currently based in ‘not spot’ areas, who have been held back by slow and unreliable access to vital digital services.
“By using existing public and transport infrastructure it will be possible to deliver better connectivity across the capital. It’s good to see that City Hall is finding pragmatic solutions to the many obstacles and high costs that come with replacing existing cabling.
“The Government needs to crack on with their pledge to achieve full-fibre coverage across the UK by 2025, and continue to supplement the investment that City Hall has pledged to upgrade connectivity in the capital”.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The exact amount of the £10 million funding pot that Merton will receive is to be confirmed;
- The most up-to-date figures, supplied by London Connectivity, showing estimated coverage of broadband services across London can be accessed here;
- Leonie Cooper AM is the London Assembly for Merton and Wandsworth.