James Wild MP has released the findings of his survey examining broadband services across Hunstanton, Holme, Ringstead, Thornham, and other coastal villages. This initiative follows a significant number of concerns raised by residents regarding the quality and reliability of their digital connectivity.
In response, James conducted the survey to gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by constituents. Over 500 responses were collected provided detailed insight into the current state of broadband services locally.
These findings will inform his ongoing efforts to hold both telecommunications providers and government to account and push for the improvement of digital services locally.
Across the survey, persistent challenges with broadband quality in the Hunstanton area were identified as follows:
Speeds
- Just over a half of respondents (51 %) rated their broadband speed a 6/10 or less.
- This appeared particularly disruptive for businesses and those working from home when streaming or working with large files.
- Scores appeared to be noticeably higher for broadband service reliability, with 53% of respondents rating theirs an 8 out of 10 or higher.
Reliability
- Scores appeared to be noticeably higher for broadband service reliability, with 53% of respondents rating theirs an 8 out of 10 or higher.
Value for money
- Nearly two-thirds (64%) rated their broadband’s value for money a 6 or below.
- 63% said they would consider switching.
- A key theme that arose was that many residents pointed to a lack of better alternative providers to choose from as a key obstacle, leaving them feeling “stuck”.
A smaller number of respondents also revealed they use Starlink, the satellite broadband service launched in 2019 by SpaceX and overseen by Elon Musk. Designed to deliver high-speed internet to rural and remote areas, Starlink has been adopted in Norfolk by both individuals and local pilot projects tackling digital exclusion, and survey responses showed strikingly higher satisfaction levels: 100% rated speed and value for money 10/10, 66% gave reliability a 10/10, and 66% said they wouldn’t switch provider.
Top Performers:
- EE received the highest satisfaction for speed, with 33% rating it 10/10, and also performed strongly on reliability, with 24% giving the top score.
- Vodafone stood out for value, with 20% rating it 10/10, and had the highest satisfaction for speed, with 51% rating it an 8/10 or above.
Lowest Performers:
- Sky had the lowest score for value for money, with 63% of respondents rating their broadband a 6/10, and 70% of its customers said they would switch provider.
- TalkTalk performed worst on reliability, with 42% rating it 8/10 or below, and had the highest churn risk, with 82% of users saying they would switch.
In light of his findings, James Wild MP said:
“Fast and reliable broadband connectivity is essential for work, education, and everyday life. Yet, too many people in the Hunstanton area are not receiving the service they rightly expect.
“This survey provides a clear and evidence-based picture of the challenges faced locally. It will underpin my ongoing efforts to press both providers and government to deliver improvements through their commercial rollout and Project Gigabit to extend access to fastest broadband speeds.
I am grateful to all who contributed and remain committed to ensuring the voices of our community are heard and their concerns acted upon.”
Project Gigabit is the government’s programme to deliver access to faster speeds in areas which will not be covered commercially. James is lobbying the government to extend coverage to rural parts of North West Norfolk.
James will now use these findings to engage directly with government officials and service providers to ensure that the concerns of local residents are formally recognised and addressed. He remains committed to advocating for improved digital infrastructure and service quality in the constituency.
