Digital Manifesto 2018

Securing our technological future

Westminster Conservatives were delighted that our pledge to secure superfast broadband for residents and businesses at the last election was successful.

Our campaign led to BT Openreach making fibre broadband available to more homes and businesses across the city. Access to such technology is paramount for both work and pleasure.

We are committed to continuing to increase the provision of cost–effective ultrafast broadband by working with Broadband providers to improve connectivity.

That is why we have published a special Digital Manifesto 2018 which outlines our Ten Pledges to campaign to make Westminster the best connected city in the UK.

We pledge to:

  • Achieve full affordable Ultrafast (over 30mbps download) Connectivity for ALL Westminster residents and businesses
  • utilise digital technology to improve provision of Council Services including remote monitoring for vulnerable or elderly people living alone
  • address “Not-Spots” in mobile phone communication coverage
  • Facilitate the roll-out of 5G communication throughout the city by completing the Small Cell Concession
  • Facilitate full gigabit Wi-Fi coverage by encouraging the creation of an umbrella / shared platform to facilitate seamless roaming (as in Hong Kong)
  • Encourage competition between providers, especially those providing FTTP, to ensure residents and businesses benefit from more competitive pricing
  • Support fully fibre coverage to encourage the roll-out of further internet innovations and make Westminster “future proof”
  • Alleviate Digital Deprivation by donating surplus equipment to those in need and to arrange training for those without access to courses
  • Work with GLA to clarify Permitted Development Rights for PICA cells
  • Work with TfL to ensure full roll-out of on-train connectivity