CLA Confirms Rural Fears

The CLA says remarks made by Communications Minister Lord Carter confirm fears rural Britain is being left behind in the race for super-fast broadband.

Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, President of rural economy experts the CLA, said: “This digital urban/rural divide is getting out of control. It is time for the hyperbole to stop and for Government to consider the damage it is doing to rural areas and, in particular, businesses.

“Lord Carter talks of a video-centric world. In reality we have a world where social and economic deprivation is growing because of a lack of access to fast internet connections.

“The economy is being divided because many rural businesses simply cannot compete with their urban rivals. School classes are split because of some children’s inability to do set homework online. Communities are being divided because people are seeking to move to a home that has broadband.”

The CLA President added: “We have heard repeated promises by the Government of universal broadband for all, and we have repeatedly said that it cannot happen without public investment.

“There seems to be a policy disparity between Lord Mandelson, on the one hand, who says we need universal public investment in broadband and Lord Carter, on the other, who says rural areas would continue to be excluded.

“The CLA will continue to put pressure on Government and infrastructure providers to ensure that rural businesses and rural communities have access to fast and affordable broadband.”