Maria Miller MP Appointed to Oversee UK Superfast Broadband Policy

Prime Minister David Cameron has appointed the Conservative MP for Basingstoke, Maria Miller, to replace embattled Jeremy Hunt as the government’s new Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). But what does this mean for the UK’s national broadband policy?

Hunt, whom last month re-launched the government’s broadband policy by calling for the UK to have not only the “best” but also the “fastest broadband of any major European country by 2015” and to extend its coverage beyond the current 90% (population) target (full summary), has instead been moved to the lesser cabinet role of Health Secretary.

By comparison Miller is being promoted from her current role as the Parliamentary-Under Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and has historically supported Jeremy Hunt’s current proposals. At the original 2010 launch of Hunt’s policy she said, “reliable internet access is vital for business and education. A superfast broadband network will help boost Basingstoke’s economy and create jobs. It will also help improve life in our rural communities.”

Maria Miller MP, Culture Secretary, said today:

“I am delighted to have been appointed as the Culture Secretary by the Prime Minister and am very much looking forward to tackling the many challenges that the role will bring.”

Overall Miller’s appointment isn’t likely to result in any significant change of course. Indeed aside from a few general calls and local campaigns for faster broadband, including support for existing government policy, Miller hasn’t really demonstrated any richer understanding of telecoms beyond that of pushing BT to deliver improved services.