Broadband crucial to rural lives says report

5 March 2010

The Commission for Rural Communities' Rural Advocates report published today (Thursday) places emphasis on the importance of mobile coverage and broadband access describing it as "a lifeline for rural people and businesses".

Welcoming the report, Andy Kerr, CWU deputy general secretary, said: "This is a significant piece of work which clearly outlines the growing importance that broadband and mobile access have on working and social lives. The statistics for rural cable-based broadband are shockingly low at 1.5 per cent.

"We agree with the report's recommendation to ensure there is targeted delivery for Next Generation Access for rural areas. Unless there is a targeted approach with adequate funding the UK will be in danger of a two-tier communications environment where rural areas lose out. We know that the market will not deliver the service UK-wide so it is essential that a government plan for universal access is established." The author of the report Dr Stuart Burgess - the government's Rural Advocate - warned: "The lack of broadband and mobile phone coverage in many rural areas is hitting young people and businesses alike - be it through recruitment and employment, better access to learning and support services or enjoying the connectivity that has become an everyday feature of urban youth culture, such as joining a social network or getting internet help with homework."

The report found that almost 60% of urban areas are able to receive a cable-based broadband service, but in villages and hamlets this drops to 1.5%. The report recommends that the government's delivery of Next Generation Access by 2017 must put rural areas at most need at the forefront of targeted delivery. The same attention should be paid to mobile phone coverage. To read the report in full visit: www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk

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