Concrete action called for by CLA regarding universal broadband

A recent announcement by Lord Carter that he will be looking for ways to offer universal broadband access throughout the country has met with wide support from business groups, but has also left these groups demanding that current broadband blackspots are covered by future national broadband upgrades.

Claims have been made that in order for the Government to show its commitment to offering universal UK broadband it must take “concrete action.”

The idea of broadband being looked upon as a niche product is something it has now move “way beyond” said communications minister, Lord Carter recently.

During an address to the Westminster eForum he suggested that as part of his digital Britain vision he will be investigating ways to universalise the broadband service.

These plans, which offer a serious boost to both home and businesses that are currently in broadband blackspot areas have been welcomed by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA). There were, however, “significant concerns” in the private sector as to how these universal service plans were going to be carried out, warned the group.

Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, the CLA president said “We are delighted the government has supported our calls since the beginning of the year for broadband for all. However, [it] has still failed to realise that a universal broadband service requires major public sector investment.”

The group would also be look to meet with Lord Carter “to ensure rural interests are not left out”, and to help move UK broadband availability forward it would need the government to “put words into concrete action” said Mr Aubrey-Fletcher.

In order to identify are of the UK where broadband is currently available the CLA recently advised that it is working closely with BT.

In order to help with its efforts in improving availability those who were not able to take advantage of broadband service were asked by the association’s head of rural business development, Dr Charles Trotman to contact the CLA to advise.