Ofcom Infrastructure Report – CLA response

Access to fast, reliable broadband and mobile phone coverage is vital for the success of rural business and social inclusion in the rural north

The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses has responded to Ofcom’s Infrastructure Report 2014 outlining the challenges for the UK’s communications networks.

CLA North Director of Policy & Public Affairs Douglas Chalmers said: “Access to fast, reliable broadband and mobile phone coverage is vital for the success of rural business and social inclusion in the rural north.

“It is only right that we have in place networks that can meet the needs of future generations as more and more people use mobiles and the internet. But it cannot be forgotten in 4G-enabled Westminster that every home or business not connected to the internet is suffering a major disadvantage. It is an indictment that in a first world country 10-15 percent of the population cannot get broadband.

“That is why we are calling for a Universal Service Obligation for access to broadband, including a fixed-line broadband service of at least 10 Megabits per second. While this will not happen overnight, in the short-term, we must explore alternative technologies such as satellite to ensure the needs are met of the final five percent of rural areas not currently connected.”