Rural businesses 'need faster broadband'

Reliable broadband is required by rural businesses because they are integral to the economic recovery of the UK, it has been claimed.

The report by the Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) noted that individuals and businesses in rural England are at risk of playing "digital catch-up" unless there is a commitment to improve communications.

Internet use in rural areas is higher than ever before and online shopping, entertainment and banking have all driven this progression.

Yet lack of speed and reliability are hindering the development of the successful use of broadband in rural areas, the CRC stated.

When fast broadband is in place, "rural businesses thereby equip themselves to compete in the wider marketplace, whilst services are delivered more efficiently with associated cost savings", it added.

Recent research from the Economist Intelligence Unit revealed that the UK has dropped from eighth place to 13th in a survey about the potential to harness IT for social and economic development.

Written by Debra Hasting-Henry