Residents of rural villages feel left out of the loop with broadband

It has been revealed that many residents in the rural villages of East Cleveland are feeling left out of the broadband loop due to poor internet access in their areas.

Having internet access is something that has become increasingly important to people all across the UK. However, many people that live in rural areas have found it difficult to get access to adequate broadband and internet services, leaving them unable to get access to adequate speeds or quality service.

Research was recently carried out by Teesside University researchers and the East Cleveland Community Development Group. According to the results of the research residents of rural villages in the East Cleveland area felt that they were disadvantaged compared to their counterparts in more urban areas.

One resident who was also involved in the research stated: “In the past when people were moving to a village, they would ask about transport or local schools. These days they are just as interested in internet access. The research is helping to make people more aware of problems accessing the internet. Moorsholm is fairly typical of the area’s outlying villages when it comes to connection problems and internet speed.”

Paul Davies from the East Cleveland Community Development Group said: “The project has been a great success in helping us understand the nature of ICT use and how it can be a real positive in people’s lives. But equally it has shown some of the problems that must be addressed if the internet is promoted as the solution to issues which are increasingly important to individuals and communities.”

Source – Gazette Live