The government's new £20 million scheme for rural broadband provision has to be allocated carefully, the Country Land & Business Association (CLA) has said.

Under the plans for the Rural Community Broadband Fund, money will be spent on providing faster internet access to English rural communities, including those in the uplands.

CLA president William Worsley praised the move, but noted it is vital the funds are "used wisely".

"We strongly advise the government to use the money in a series of grants for rural communities where demand can be proven," he stated.

Mr Worsley suggested some of the funding could be put towards explaining the economic benefits broadband will bring to people living in rural communities.

Jeremy Hunt, secretary of state for culture, Olympics, media and sport, explained the scheme is part of the government's plan to allow the whole of the UK to share in broadband usage by the end of the current parliament.
 

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