Government 'seriously blinkered' over rural broadband

The government has been criticised by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) for being “seriously blinkered” in regard to the state of rural broadband. 

A recent report by the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), which recommended that the Government leave funding of next-generation access to ISP’s has come under fire from the CLA.

The organisation warns that rural businesses and industry could be severely damaged if they were to miss out on adequate broadband access. This could occur if the government does not provide funding, as providing access to rural areas comes at a greater expense.

"Universal fast broadband is not just for games and videos, it means industry and jobs", said the director of CLA North, Douglas Chalmers.

"Some rural areas are already disadvantaged by existing broadband provision, which not only affects existing businesses but also stops new enterprises relocating and creating employment."