For immediate release:

MSP SEES SUCCESS IN CAMPAIGN ON NEWTON FARM BROADBAND

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has received written assurances from Openreach that more residents in Newton Farm should have access to superfast broadband by the end of April.

The SNP MSP has been campaigning on the issue since her election, and has welcomed the news of increased broadband provision in the area. Clare Haughey MSP has warned, however, that this will only affect a percentage of Newton Farm residents with many already able to access fast broadband speeds, whilst others will see no change.

After recent correspondence to Openreach, the company contacted the Rutherglen MSP to advise that cabinet 36, which services streets like Honeysuckle Crescent and Honeydew Drive, will be upgraded to increase its capacity. The cabinet had previously been upgraded however demand had been “unexpectedly high” meaning many residents missed out. Clare Haughey MSP has been pushing Openreach to further upgrade it for months, and it appears her repeated calls will now be answered.

Residents are advised to monitor Openreach’s website, as when the cabinet is ready to accept orders again, it will be published there first.

Newer areas of Newton Farm, like Poppy Gardens and Bramble Wynd, will still be without access to superfast broadband as serviced by another cabinet, but the SNP MSP has confirmed that she has again this week contacted Openreach to urge them to upgrade provision throughout the area.

Difficulties often arise in new housing developments as developers do not ensure homes are fitted with connections to cabinets – making it difficult for Openreach to take action in a timely manner.

Commenting, Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey said:

“This is tremendous news for a number of my constituents in Newton Farm. I have previously spoken with residents whose internet had been so slow that they were unable to work from home, whilst others’ couldn’t even stream online TV.

“The upgrade to cabinet 36 has been a long time coming however the campaign doesn’t end there. I still have a sizeable number of constituents, particularly in newer built areas, that don’t have access to sufficient broadband, and I wish to reassure them I am taking this issue up on their behalf.

“I have previously written to all Newton Farm residents to hear their experiences, and I am thankful many have taken the time to respond.

“When people move into new homes they expect superfast broadband to be included, just like they would water, gas and electricity. I will continue to liaise with Openreach, housing developers, and service providers to ensure they are doing all they can to provide customers with the internet speeds they require.”

ENDS

Notes:

Openreach website to monitor:

https://www.homeandbusiness.openreach.co.uk/fibre-broadband/when-can-i-get-fibre

Date published: 9th March 2018