Following concerted pressure on Advantage West Midlands and BT, the
Hamstall Ridware and Fradley telephone exchanges will be equipped for
broadband next year.

In a letter to Michael Fabricant, Sir Christopher Bland – Chairman of BT
– says that a contract has been signed with the West Midlands Networking
Company and "we aim to complete the project by July 2006". The Hints
exchange will also be broadband enabled by that date.

Meanwhile, John Edwards – Chief Executive of Advantage West Midlands –
has told Michael Fabricant that "The Fradley exchange is planned for
completion on 28th February subject to the usual limitations of weather
and unforeseen engineering issues."

"With the broadband enablement of the Fradley, Hamstall Ridware, and
Hints telephone exchanges, virtually all of the Lichfield Parliamentary
constituency will have access to broadband." says Michael Fabricant.
"This is very good news for businesses and private users particularly in
rural areas where business diversification using the internet is an
important issue."