‘Old lines limit rural internet access
30 August 2000
‘Old lines limit rural internet access’
By FWi staff
RURAL areas are in danger of being left behind because of a lack of the high-speed data links needed for quick and easy internet access, landowners have warned.
Slow connections due to old phone lines in remote rural areas could constrain the growth of small rural firms, claims the Country Landowners Association.
“There is a real danger that rural areas will be disadvantaged in the information revolution by the lack of high-speed data links,” said Oliver Harwood, CLA rural practice surveyor.
Mr Harwood acknowledged that it is expensive to upgrade internet connections.
But he suggested that government should use money from the Rural Development Regulation.
Although this would require changes to existing EU criteria, the CLA believes it is vital that disadvantage suffered by rural businesses is addressed.
Mr Harwood said it was important to develop high value businesses to boost the rural economy areas which otherwise depend on declining industries like agriculture.
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