The Government has announced that a new body ‘Broadband Delivery UK’ is to be responsible for rolling-out next generation broadband across the UK. At the same time a major report forecasting the future reach of next generation broadband across the UK has been published by the Government.

Commenting on the report Sarah McAdam our the Chief Executive of The Commission for Rural Communities said:

“We welcome this important research, which sets out in a clear and straightforward way which communities may be at risk of not benefiting from next generation broadband. The Commission for Rural Communities ‘Mind the Gap’ report identifies the importance of broadband to rural communities. Lack of broadband provision or poor speeds mean that many rural areas risk being left further behind as next generation broadband is introduced, but factors such as social deprivation, demographics and individuals’ reservations about using new technology may also have an influence.

“The research is the first to analyse these effects and their collective impact on digital inclusion. It highlights where attention is needed to ensure that parts of the country are not left behind in access to up-to-date fibre-based communications services. I also hope it will inspire industry and communities themselves to join Government to commit to bridging the access gap for rural areas. Working together can ensure that ‘Digital Britain’ does not become a ‘two-tier’ Britain.”