Government not up to speed on broadband targets
The NFU believes Government measures to improve rural broadband could help farming communities but, it believes more could still be done to improve internet and mobile communications in the most remote areas. The new discounted satellite broadband scheme is being offered under the Government’s Universal Service Obligation (USO), in which it is committed to providing […]
‘Mobile not-spots’ and broadband availability high on agenda at FUW meeting
The lack of network coverage in rural Wales was high on the agenda at the Royal Welsh Show yesterday (Tuesday 21 July) when the Farmers’ Union of Wales joined forces with Ofcom at its pavilion alongside the main ring. The FUW and Ofcom held wide-ranging talks with farmers and representatives from the communications industry including the […]
Strong Productivity Plan for Rural Businesses, but Broadband Plans Falls Short
The Government’s Productivity Plan sets out important actions to boost rural growth, long-term investment and diversification of farm businesses but falls short of what is needed on rural broadband, says the CLA. The organisation, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, welcomes recognition that specific plans are needed for productivity within the rural economy. CLA […]
MPs right to question broadband coverage delivery
The CLA has said MPs were right to subject Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK), the company charged with securing broadband access for communities across the country, to robust questioning on its failure to meet targets. Members of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee asked questions based on evidence received from the CLA and […]
Progress on rural broadband as slow as a dial-up connection
The CLA which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses has told the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee that poor broadband connection is leaving rural areas at an economic and social disadvantage. Giving evidence to the Committee on 3 December as part of an inquiry into broadband coverage in remote rural areas, CLA […]
Superfast broadband rollout now one of the fastest in the world
The Government’s rollout of superfast broadband has passed more than 1.5 million premises and is now reaching more than 40,000 additional homes and businesses every week. 26% of all UK connections now superfast, up from just 6% two years ago. Every day more and more people are opting to make the most of all a […]
Satellite broadband prize trial for Northamptonshire farmer
A Northamptonshire farmer is experiencing faster broadband for the first time – via satellite- as part of a trial by Northamptonshire County Council to explore options to enhance connectivity in the most rural parts of the county. The Superfast Northamptonshire project aims to secure fibre-based Next Generation Access to all homes and businesses by 2017 […]
CLA criticism of rural broadband deadline backed by new report
The report states that the rural broadband programme will deliver results 22 months late and confirms the CLA’s long held view that the original deadline of May 2015 was unrealistic. CLA President Harry Cotterell said: “For the past two years we have said there is no conceivable way 2015 targets would be met by rolling […]
Deadline extended for £20m broadband fund applications
The deadline for the third and final round of applications has been extended from 24 May until 17 June, giving communities and local authorities extra time to apply for funding. The joint Defra/Broadband Delivery UK Fund aims to help hard to reach rural communities with limited or no internet, to access superfast broadband to give […]
