A recent survey from bOnline has shown that many SMEs are unsure about the availability of altnet in their area, with confusion over the UK’s broadband roll-out strategy.
Thu, 1/08/2024 - 15:31
Poor connectivity is causing a quarter of young people in rural areas to consider moving to a town or city in the next 12 months, according to research from Virgin Media O2.
The research finds that just under half (48%) of those living in rural areas experience connectivity problems at least a few times a week.
Half (51%) of rural Britons say their ability to work from home is negatively impacted by poor connectivity and almost a third (30%) do not have adequate connectivity to work remotely.
Residents are concerned about the impact of young people moving, with 57% believing it will make rural areas less desirable and lead to businesses pulling planned investments from the countryside.
Jeanie York, CTO at Virgin Media O2, said: “The industry has a £1 billion plan to improve rural connectivity, but the Shared Rural Network relies on collaboration between industry partners, the UK Government, planning authorities and landowners.
“Alongside existing investment, we need better rules in place to make it easier and faster for the industry to deliver what we promised to disconnected rural communities. The government must implement its Planning and Infrastructure Bill as a matter of urgency.”
