Decision details

That Cabinet:

1.1  Notes the good progress on the delivery of the Hampshire Superfast Broadband Programme for the public funding available, but recognises the wider broadband market failure which means that there are still 2.6% (circa 15,000 properties) where there are no plans currently.

1.2  Acknowledges that, even though there are areas where market failure has meant that plans are not in place and public funding will not meet the demand, the programme still continues to help all residents across Hampshire where possible through innovation such as the Community Match Funding Scheme.

1.3  Notes that the Community Match Funding Scheme is being positively received by communities across Hampshire.

1.4  Approves that the programme continues to extend and maximise coverage under the existing contracts by seeking to reinvest rebate (gainshare) and contract delivery underspend with the existing supplier and continue to apply pressure to the supplier to accelerate delivery of existing contract targets.

1.5  Agrees that the County Council should continue to proactively seek funding from the LEPs and DCMS, as well as other external funding sources, and considers running additional procurements if necessary or advantageous to residents.

1.6  Continues to support the programme through engagement with District Councils, Parish Councils, communities and residents.

1.7  Agree that the Leader of the Council writes to the Minister of State for Digital to reinforce the continuing issue of rural coverage, especially given the crucial economic and social implications, and to seek assurances that the government will address this through policy development and a range of proposals alluded to in the report.