Three to give away 3G broadband to rural areas

Mobile network operator Three has announced that it is going to give away free 3G mobile broadband access and equipment to areas that struggle to get fixed line broadband access.

For many rural areas in the UK, getting fixed line broadband is and always has been a nightmare. Many are so hard to reach or have so little access to fixed broadband providers that they are placed at a severe disadvantage to their urban counterparts, many of whom are able to access fixed line broadband services with ease and therefore enjoy the many benefits of broadband access on a daily basis.

It has now been announced by mobile network provider Three that it is going to be giving away free mobile broadband dongles along with free mobile broadband 3G access for one year to rural areas that are struggling to get access to fixed line broadband services. Eleven communities will initially benefit from the scheme in an initiative that Three describes as being part of its commitment to the government.

As part of the project Three has teamed up with the Countryside Alliance and Race Online. Hugh Davies, Three’s director of corporate affairs, stated: “We hope to demonstrate that mobile needs to be a crucial part of the strategy to tackle notspots.” The speed that will be delivered by Three as part of the project will be an average 2Mbps, which whilst not overly impressive could still provide a welcome alternative for those struggling without broadband in rural areas.

Some people have expressed scepticism over the project. Jeremy Green, analyst with research firm Ovum, said: “It is not as if Three is concerned about lack of access. It wants to show off how good its network is and lobby for more spectrum.”

Do you think Three has a hidden spectrum agenda behind this free mobile broadband rollout?

Source – BBC