BURNHAM’S MP Tessa Munt has called for an investigation into the way superfast broadband is being rolled-out across Somerset and slammed the scheme’s progress so far.

Ms Munt has called for the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to look into BT’s apparent refusal to join an open bidding process to increase high-speed fibre broadband access in the county.

She has said that looking at the most recent Government figures, the target of achieving 95% coverage by 2018 will not be met.

Speaking to the Weekly News, Ms Munt said: “The Defra figures that have just been released show that we are at 41% coverage at the moment and that is disgraceful.

“I don’t think the 2018 target will be met.

“The issue with BT as I understand it is that only BT can bid for Phase 2 of the scheme and that’s ludicrous – how on Earth can we not have competition for this?”

“So I’ve written a letter to the CMA asking for an investigation because I don’t think we are getting a good deal from BT on Phase 1.

“We are talking about £45.5million of public money here and I think this is hugely anti-competitive.

“From what I understand, it’s not that other companies aren’t allowed to bid for Phase 2, it more because BT has done Phase 1 they have now information that others do not.

“It is outrageous and I’m going to get to the bottom of it.”

Critics say that the ‘secrecy clause’ imposed when the deal was first settled means data on which areas yet to be covered has been kept under wraps.

She added that although there was visible progress with hooking the county up to super-fast internet, more needed to be done.

“After a slow and bumpy start, it’s satisfying to see these little green boxes popping up in villages and towns around the area.

“The numbers have increased in recent weeks and this will continue but there is a danger that those who live in the hardest to reach areas won’t be able to access this technology and the benefits it brings.

“As always with new technology, there is a real risk of some communities being left out and falling behind, which isn’t right or fair.”

Connecting Devon and Somerset and BT have said that the targets are still achievable.