Broadband and Me

Rural Broadband

BBC NEWS | Politics | Rural broadband policy under fire

We recommend that the government now commit itself to ensuring that broadband is made available to all areas of the United Kingdom according to a defined timetable."
The MPs say the provision of fast net access to the most rural and remote areas "cannot reasonably be left to the marketplace".

An ex-colleague of mine once pointed out that all major infrastructure programmes, at least in the UK, have been undertaken by Government or at Government behest. The market works well where there is large demand and ease of supply. Rural communities in Britain hae neither, and while there are some really enterprising small firms looking to plug holes in national players coverage, this is neither comprehensive nor will it be swift.

We need thriving rural communities and broadband connectivity can help at the fringes of this. It could even enliven communities, as ther is the possibility of more employment or better opportunities in areas with broadband.

I would like to live in a rural area - however I obviously need employment and I would be lost without a Broadband connection.