CLA criticises complex rural broadband funding process

Monday, April 29th 2013
The funding process for rural broadband rollouts is "horrendously complex", the CLA argues.
CLA criticises complex rural broadband funding process
Community groups have been put off bidding for contracts under the government's Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) framework because they do not understand the processes involved, according to the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).

Speaking to Farmers Weekly, the CLA's head of rural business development Dr Charles Trotman described the funding process involved in the scheme as "horrendously complex".

For communities to access their share of the £530 million of investment available through BDUK, they must commit to match-funding and - theoretically - pledge to complete their projects by 2015.

Although Dr Trotman supports the principles of rural broadband funding, he is opposed to the methods used to deliver the cash. "It could have been a lot easier," he argued.

BT is the only company left in the running for BDUK broadband contracts, after smaller network operators pulled out of the race.

Even Fujitsu, the multinational technology giant, quit the process after claiming it had been effectively ruled out by various conditions put in place by the government.

Related Stories

Millions of Britons are living with broadband speeds that do not live up to their expectations.
A new pilot scheme will aim to bring superfast broadband to hard-to-reach areas across North Lincolnshire.
Businesses across Lincolnshire are crying out for improved broadband services.
Communications providers across the UK need to improve their level of service, Ofcom has stated.
Broadband customers are to be given powers to switch providers if their service does not meet their expectations.
The ongoing iNorthumberland project is to benefit from an additional influx of funds.

Add a comment

Comment
Your name
Your e-mail address

Comments (0)

Home  |  Guides  |  Links  |  Local  |  Sitemap  |  Privacy Policy  |  Terms
Copyright © 2005-2024 Broadbandchoice.co.uk. All rights reserved.