Pushing for Better Broadband and Mobile Connectivity Across Chester South and Eddisbury
Aphra Brandreth MP recently met with Mike Dugine from the Connecting Cheshire to discuss the rollout of broadband and mobile connectivity across Chester South and Eddisbury. The meeting highlighted a number of ongoing challenges but also opportunities to push for better digital infrastructure in our rural communities.
On broadband, Aphra raised concerns about the government's Project Gigabit scheme and the failure of past contracts to deliver for some of the hardest-to-reach homes in our area. Many villages locally including Willington and Delamere Park have all faced issues due to restrictive covenants, and a local freeze on the government’s broadband voucher scheme.
Aphra is now actively pressing for a meeting with officials at BDUK (Building Digital UK), including senior leads, to find a way forward. She's also supporting efforts to ensure areas like Delamere Park—where underground cabling is essential—aren’t left behind due to rigid algorithms or outdated processes.
On mobile coverage, Aphra welcomed news that street-level 5G is being rolled out in Chester City Centre, with O2 expected to go live this summer and Vodafone to follow. She is also working collaboratively to ensure that work can progess to install new masts in rural mobile ‘black spots’.
Aphra commented:
“Too many of our communities are being let down by slow broadband and poor mobile signal. Whether it’s supporting rural businesses, helping children study, or staying connected to loved ones - this really matters. I’m pushing hard to get answers from government and make sure every home and business across Chester South and Eddisbury is part of the digital future.”
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