PROPOSALS by Thirsk’s MP to improve internet speeds for those not connected by fibre will be considered by a Government Secretary.

The Digital Secretary, Matt Hancock, has agreed to consider Kevin Hollinrake MP’s suggestions for fixed wireless alternatives to fibre broadband.

The proposals would offer an alternative solution for residents in the region still waiting to be connected.

Last week Superfast North Yorkshire entered into a Phase 3 contract with BT as part of the Government’s Superfast Broadband Programme.

84 per cent of premises in the constituency are currently able to benefit from superfast broadband and Phase 3 will take coverage to around 95 per cent of premises in North Yorkshire by June 2021.

But Mr Hollinrake is determined to ensure that nobody is left behind.

He said: “Although Phase 3 helps connect us to superfast broadband, five per cent of my constituents will remain without access to fibre in the medium to long term.

“Average download speeds remain 38 per cent lower than the national average.

“This is not acceptable and I am determined to do something about it.”

Mr Hollinrake would like to see BT develop a fixed wireless strategy for rural areas and work with suppliers to deliver a solution.

He added: “I suggested this to the Secretary of State and asked if it would be possible to make funds available for fixed wireless broadband for areas that will not be connected to fibre in the coming years.

“Mr Hancock agreed to look into fixed wireless solutions.

“I look forward to discussing this with him further and, in the meantime, I shall also be writing to Clive Selley, the chief executive of Openreach.”