THE long-running battle to create a total broadband cover for remote rural areas has reached a new stage with a dispute between country business owners and BT on just how widespread is the current network.

we need to establish just how big an issue this is and where the problems lie. Only then can we seek a way forward.

Douglas Chalmers - CLA North

BT claims that broadband is now available to 99% of all homes and businesses in the UK – but the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) believes that there are many rural blackspots without cover.

So the association is launching an appeal to country folk to report any difficulties in reaching ADSL broadband so they can draw up a map of such blackspots to take to BT in the latest round of a battle which has been going for more than five years.

Douglas Chalmers, Director CLA North said: “Unavailability of affordable broadband in rural areas is a real issue, affecting many businesses and homes, and is actually preventing the rural economy from being competitive.

“As long as providers and policy makers can quote ‘almost universal’ provision, they will not believe there is a problem to fix, so we need to establish just how big an issue this is and where the problems lie. Only then can we seek a way forward.

“As well as being in discussion with BT, we are also talking to politicians at ministerial level on a regular basis to stress the importance of affordable, effective broadband to the rural economy, and to redress the economic and social divide that exists.”

• People in broadband blackspots are urged to contact info.north@cla.org.uk or call 015395 67597