The rural sector has said there is still a considerable amount to be done to ensure that everybody who lives and works in rural Britain has access to effective broadband and mobile connectivity.
Those who live and work in the rural sector see the recently released government’s Digital Strategy as a first step in creating a world class digital infrastructure for rural areas.
Secretary of State Karen Bradley has called for the end of the digital divide in order for every individual and business to have access to high-quality mobile coverage and internet.
The CLA, an organisation which represents farmers and rural businesses, said it is essential that broadband and mobile connectivity reaches the rural sector for businesses to thrive.
CLA's Senior Economics Adviser Dr Charles Trotman said: “It is obvious that the rural-urban digital divide is still very much in existence, and resolving this must be a priority.
“People are increasingly coming to rely on mobile devices and using technology on the go, and the digital divide puts rural areas at an unfair disadvantage. The government has said it will commit to rolling out 5G coverage, but this is of no comfort for those who still have poor mobile coverage or no coverage at all. Without UK-wide infrastructure, the government’s vision for their digital strategy will simply not work.”
