Rural broadband must give equal weight to businesses’ needs, says expert

A telecoms expert has said that the aims of a Government-sponsored project to deliver full-fibre broadband internet in rural areas needs to be reviewed.

BDUK, the initiative body, has been accused of overseeing a “shocking waste of money” by subsidising high-speed internet services in central London following reports that some of the cash may be spent in central London.

Despite the aims of the project, there has been criticism over plans being explored by BDUK to use some of its funding to tackle “NotSpots” in urban areas.

A study of 4,000 people in July found that 48 percent of people living in rural areas experienced connection problems at least “a few times a week”, with a third considering relocating to a town or city because of the issue.

The National Farmers Union carried out a survey in 2023 which found that 28 percent of their members said their productivity would improve with faster broadband speeds.

Roy Shelton, CEO of Connectus Business Solutions said: “Investment should not only be deployed to areas with the worst digital deprivation but also split between residential and business connections.

“BDUK split the country into lots of ‘NotSpots’ which they fund via Project Gigabit. The NotSpot lots need to be revisited and allow ISP and MSPs to choose to offer services to both sets of premises or just focus on one type.”