MP hails improvements to broadband infrastructure

Plans to improve the broadband infrastructure in North Yorkshire, which could lead to more people in the area using VoIP hardware, have been commended by a local MP.

Julian Smith, who represents Ripon in the House of Commons, told the Ripon Gazette he is "delighted" that the government is investing in rolling out high-speed broadband across the region.

However, he insisted that MPs across the county will continue to lobby for additional funds to drive further enhancements in the network.

"I am currently working with the council and government to ensure we secure matched funding for this project from Europe," Mr Smith commented.

He added that he hopes the procurement process will be relatively quick, as this would ensure people living in the Ripon and Skipton areas can "finally move into the broadband fast lane".

This comes after Michael Philips, product director at Broadbandchoices.co.uk, noted that consumers accessing the internet in different parts of the country are subject to a "huge" divide when it comes to connectivity.