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CLA calls for action on rural broadband
Wednesday 22nd April 2009, by Daniel King
The divide between rural and urban regions over access to broadband internet services needs to be addressed as quickly and efficiently as possible, according to one expert.
Following discussions of the topic at the recent Digital Britain meeting, a spokesman for the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has pointed out that the time for talking is over and action must now be taken.
Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, president of the organisation - which represents owners of land, property and businesses across rural areas of England and Wales - said for too long the divide between cities and the countryside has been allowed to grow "out of control".
The expert called on the government to consider the damage that is being done to greener areas and the businesses that reside there when discussing how best to go about increasing access to fast web connections.
Mr Aubrey-Fletcher added: "The economy is being divided because many rural businesses simply cannot compete with their urban rivals. School classes are split because of some children's inability to do set homework online."
He explained people were moving specifically to areas where broadband is supported and this was dividing communities in the countryside and affecting where people choose to live.
In conclusion, he promised continued pressure from the CLA to ensure rural areas are in receipt of the "fast and affordable broadband" they have been promised by politicians and policymakers.
A report in the Financial Times this week said Avanti Communications Group's deal to supply satellite broadband products to a range of firms could benefit such communities and help achieve government targets to have broadband in all homes by 2012.
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