Rural broadband push must give equal weight to needs of businesses says telecoms export

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, following reports that some of the cash may be spent in central London.

BDUK, the arm’s-length body that is overseeing the initiative, has been accused of overseeing a “shocking waste of money” by subsidising high-speed internet services 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% 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 last year which found that 28% of their members said their productivity would improve with faster broadband speeds.

Roy Shelton, CEO of Connectus Business Solutions said: “BDUK must overhaul the general investment strategy for the rollout of gigabit connectivity.

“Investment should not only be deployed to areas with the worst digital deprivation but also split between residential and business connections. Whilst there are too many households in that digital desert, so too are hundreds of thousands of businesses of all sizes.

“BDUK split the country into lots of ‘NotSpots’ which they fund via Project Gigabit, the issue is that ISP and MSPs must cover both residential and business properties but they are generally not experienced in providing services to those greatly differing needs.

“I would call upon BDUK to revisit the NotSpot lots and allow ISP and MSPs to choose to offer services to both sets of premises or just focus on one type whilst still offering funding, but also re-introduce the widely accepted BDUK voucher scheme.”