News Release

17th July 2004

APPEAL OVER FRADLEY BROADBAND

Michael Fabricant has asked Sir Christopher Bland, Chairman of BT and a former Chairman of the BBC, to intervene personally over the provision of broadband in South Fradley. "BT have told my constituents that they have no plans to enable the exchange in Fradley for broadband despite BT's aim to deliver broadband to virtually the whole country by the end of 2005" says Michael.

"I have now asked Sir Christopher to intervene personally over this issue. I have told him that Fradley is a rapidly expanding area with many young professionals living there as well as small businesses who would meet the profile of likely broadband users. I said that I am therefore surprised that BT apparently have no interest in enabling the area for broadband. I have pointed out that there is no technical reason why it cannot be done." Michael is a Fellow of the Institution of Electrical Engineers and a Chartered Engineer.

"I do not expect BT to enable Fradley instantly, but a date for broadband enablement would be welcome. At present, the future is gloomy as no date has been set at all for the foreseeable future".

Michael is currently waiting for a response from Sir Christopher who has passed his letter on to the engineering division of BT for comment before he replies.