Anger of rural campaigners over broadband delay

Rural campaigners have been left “disappointed and shocked” by the government’s decision to extend the target for providing universal UK broadband coverage by three years.

In a speech to the broadband industry, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced that the government would no longer be able to meet the Universal Service Commitment (USC) of two megabits per second (two Mbps) by 2012, because of insufficient funding.

It has set a new target of achieving the USC within the lifetime of this Parliament – expected to end in 2015.

Country Land and Business Association president William Worsley said: “This setback comes at a time when rural Britain is desperately in need of effective and affordable broadband. It will seriously compromise the ability of the rural economy to succeed in the future.

“Of course we are living in straitened times. However, without universal broadband it will become far harder for rural business to compete effectively with businesses in urban areas, many of which already have access to far faster speeds than two Mbps.”

“The government needs to recognise that broadband can act as a fundamental driver in propelling the UK out of its current financial situation. This will be put in jeopardy if we have to wait an additional three years before everyone can gain adequate broadband coverage.”