Rural Broadband update

This article is 5 years old

Press Release

Published on 20 March 2019
Archived on 20 April 2019


Officers at Stratford-on-Avon District Council are currently producing a Rural Broadband business case following a meeting in February with Government officials from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).  

33 Parish Councils in District have confirmed that they have significant issues with no, slow or poor connectivity in relation to broadband coverage in their area.  

Since the District Council hosted the supplier day last September, both Oxfordshire and Northumberland County Councils have approached the District Council, and are experiencing similar problems in rural areas.   

The District Council has also suggested to DCMS that it is happy to take part in any pilot schemes that may be rolled out nationally.

Margot James MP, Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries responding to the District Council regarding broadband provision in the district says she is: "…pleased to note the DCMS officials are in regular contact with officials at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, to provide guidance on the Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review (FTIR) and the Rural Gigabit Connectivity Programme and 'the Outside-in' approach, which will support the government's ambition for full fibre coverage by 2033."

She also commented: "The people of Stratford are fortunate to have such a well informed and pro-active Council."

Rural broadband is a priority for the District Council and it is clear from the Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) roll-out that there will need to be a number of different technical solutions to provide a solution for all district residents and businesses.                                                                              

The District Council is also exploring a Joint Venture option for delivery and is also looking at future funding opportunities.


Contact details

Stratford-on-Avon District Council
Elizabeth House, Church Street,
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire,
CV37 6HX
Tel: 01789 267575

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Last updated on 20/03/2019