Following the broadband issues suffered in several parts of Rochester and Strood, namely central Rochester, the peninsula and Chatham Historic Dockyard to name just a few, I have received an update from the Government Minister for Digital.
Rochester and Strood is located within the Kent project which has been allocated over £17million of government funding to help develop the Superfast Broadband Programme. This has so far made superfast broadband available to 6,916 more premises in recent months. However, the take up of the superfast broadband option across Kent is only 29.8%. Yet, I understand that the total superfast coverage - Government- and commercially-funded - in Rochester and Strood alone is 94.7%, rising to 96.6% by the end of September 2018.
It is therefore important for households and businesses to seek local availability of superfast broadband and therefore get the fast access needed in the digital era. I therefore urge all residents who can do so to take up superfast broadband so that others may benefit. Availability of superfast broadband services for specific homes and businesses can be checked at http://gosuperfastchecker.culture.gov.uk/ from where you will be directed to available superfast broadband providers.
I understand that problems still remain and many constituents have approached me in the past to highlight their issues with certain providers in different areas. I invite anyone within Rochester and Strood who continues to suffer problems with their broadband to contact me at [email protected].