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CLA calls for 'concrete action' over universal broadband
Monday 19th January 2009, by Daniel King
The government must take "concrete action" to demonstrate its commitment to offering universal broadband in the UK, it has been claimed.
Communications minister Lord Carter said last week that broadband had now moved "way beyond" being seen as a niche product.
Addressing the Westminster eForum, he suggested that he would be looking at how to universalise the service as part of his vision for a digital Britain.
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) welcomed the plans, which would come as a particular boost for businesses and households in current broadband blackspots.
However, the group warned that there were "significant concerns" in the private sector as to how plans for universal service would be carried out.
CLA president Henry Aubrey-Fletcher said: "We are delighted the government has supported our calls since the beginning of the year for broadband for all."
He added: "However, [it] has still failed to realise that a universal broadband service requires major public sector investment."
Mr Aubrey-Fletcher also said that the group would be seeking to meet with Lord Carter "to ensure rural interests are not left out", calling for the government to "put words into concrete action" to help move broadband availability forward in the UK.
The CLA recently revealed that it is working with BT to identify areas where access to broadband is currently available in the UK.
Dr Charles Trotman, the association's head of rural business development, called for those who were unable to take advantage of broadband services to contact the CLA to assist in its efforts to improve availability.
Categories: Broadband
