CLAIMS in an OFCOM report that the broadband divide between rural and urban areas has disappeared shows little appreciation of reality – that is the verdict of countryside campaign group the CLA.

In a significant number of rural areas, ADSL broadband access is simply not
available

Douglas Chalmers - CLA

The report asserts that the take-up of broadband in rural areas is now higher than in the UK’s cities. Unsurprising, say rural economy experts at the CLA, given the paucity of alternative communication in rural areas, but the real divide relates to availability, not take-up.

The CLA believes the report fails to acknowledge that many rural businesses cannot get broadband at all because they are too far from their local telephone exchange and when they can, broadband connections often do not deliver the high speeds or high levels of service claimed by suppliers.

Douglas Chalmers, Director CLA North said: "Our own Members’ evidence would suggest that the broadband divide has not closed at all. The real divide is in availability and in comparative speed. In a significant number of rural areas, ADSL broadband access is simply not available, and the existing internet access speeds are often appallingly slow.

“Small rural businesses are really suffering because of this broadband divide. We are receiving an increasing number of calls asking for help, sometimes even from those who cannot compete on an equal footing with close neighbours who benefit from a cheap and reliable ADSL service.

“And it is not just affecting high-tech industries. Farmers are increasingly dependent on the internet, and as we discovered during last year’s Foot and Mouth outbreak, Government insists on communicating with them in this way.

“The potential for diversification is also being compromised as there is simply no point developing redundant buildings if they cannot be let without broadband, even if all the other elements are in place. Effective, competitive broadband is now a must have for any modern business.

“We cannot allow this OFCOM report to give the impression that all is well in rural broadband. This report demonstrates a lack of appreciation of the real challenges of those people trying to earn their living and create enterprise in rural areas.”