Thousands stuck in web slow lane

ALMOST 25,000 people are still trapped in the broadband slow lane across Oldham.

New figures for internet connections reveal significant geographical discrepancies across the area, with 18,718 people in Oldham East and Saddleworth living in officially defined low-speed areas.

In comparison, only 5,729 residents in Oldham West and Royton are affected, 5.8 per cent of people.

In neighbouring Ashton, which includes Failsworth and Hollinwood, a further 10,499 are affected — 11.5 per cent of residents.

There are 17 constituencies in the UK where everyone is in the broadband fast lane, most of which are in London.

The figures, collated by the Labour Party, were revealed as the Government prepares to announce a second wave of trial areas to receive help to expand superfast broadband connections.

Ian Lucas, Labour’s spokesman for industry and the digital economy, accused the Government of tearing up its plans to introduce minimum broadband speeds in every part of the country by the end of next year.

He said the coalition had pushed that timetable back to 2015, which meant it would miss a European Union target to act by 2013.

Mr Lucas said: “Universal broadband is not simply a useful tool for households, but is essential to the ability of the United Kingdom to stay competitive and achieve strong growth.

“Areas with universal broadband access are more likely to attract investment, due to the key infrastructure for competitiveness and growth being in place.

“Rural areas need to diversify to continue to be competitive, but this hinges upon being able to use online communication and resources. Without universal broadband rural businesses will be held back from competing in the online marketplace.”

Culture minister Ed Vaizey said that any local council with plans for broadband expansion could bid directly to the organisation Broadband Delivery UK.

He told MPs: “Let me offer a crumb of comfort to those who may get bad news, because we will have to say no to a few.”

Across the country, 18 per cent of the population are in low-speed areas.

Telecoms regulator Ofcom is under pressure to expand superfast mobile broadband to 98 per cent of the UK.