Rural advocacy group calls for broadband horror stories

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 14 Jan 2009 at 18:05

The Country Land and Business Association is calling for those in rural broadband black spots to report their problems, as it seeks to shame policy makers into action.

Ofcom caused a furore last May by claiming the broadband divide between towns and rural areas had disappeared completely.

Rural broadband advocacy group, the CLA, described the claims as "beggaring belief", and is now seeking to push policy makers and BT into action over the issue.

The group is calling for those struggling to receive broadband service to either email or telephone the group with their problems. These reports will then be collected and presented to government ministers and BT officials.

"While you have figures claiming 99% of the country receives broadband, there's no real incentive for organisations to act," says Douglas Chalmers, the director for CLA North. "They understand evidence, though, facts and figures."

"The campaign is gathering momentum, but policy makers need to understand how important broadband is for rural enterprise. Modern businesses need a decent connection to be competitive."

Chalmers is meeting with rural advocate Dr Stuart Burgess on 26 January, and says he would like to have a comprehensive list of complaints to present.

Anybody interested in reporting their problems can contact the CLA on info.north@cla.org.uk or call 015395 67597.