South Down MP Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) has called for greater commitment from government to ensure that key issues with rural broadband are resolved.
Following the launch of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Rural Broadband Report, Ms Ritchie outlined that there cannot be a two-tier approach to internet access whereby those in rural communities have insufficient access to broadband.
[caption id="attachment_54667" align="alignleft" width="200"]
South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has called for rural areas to have equal internet access as built up areas.[/caption]
Ms Ritchie said: “Internet access is a modern necessity. We cannot have a two-tier system whereby those in rural communities are disadvantaged by low-speed unreliable access. In some remote rural areas – there is as yet no access to broadband, placing locals at a major disadvantage.
“With so many modern day services online – from CAP applications, to school work, to Skype – and with the government adopting a ‘digital by default’ approach whereby operations are moving from written forms and phone calls to digital forms and email – it is unjust that those in rural communities would be left behind in this digital revolution.
“A digital divide already exists between rural and urban areas. While advancements are being made to deliver superfast broadband at 24 megabits per second (Mbps) to those in towns and cities, efforts are still underway in rural communities to catch up with basic broadband delivery at 2 Mbps.
“A central criticism of the EFRA Committee report is that the current efforts to bring rural communities up to speed with basic broadband access falls short of the EU2020 target of superfast broadband (30 Mbps) for all by 2020. From an infrastructure point of view – copper wires deliver basic broadband and will have to be replaced by optic fibres to deliver superfast broadband within a matter of years. As optic fibres are significantly cheaper – it makes no sense that intense efforts are being made to offer rural communities mediocre broadband service, which is already considered outdated, at a time when urban areas are already receiving upgrades to superfast broadband.
“With CAP applications to be completed online only from 2015, we have a clear demonstration of the difficulty that arises with insufficient broadband access being made available to rural communities. It is unfair that farmers needing to complete forms online will face the distinct disadvantage and distress in areas where internet is poor or in some cases, not even available. While Digital Support Centres will be in operation, we need a commitment that they will be equipped to deal with the needs of applicants and fully support them in the course of their application and in the coming months and years to ensure a successful transition.
“Access to internet is a modern necessity and it is essential that rural communities are connected just the same as those in towns and cities and the necessary infrastructures put in place so that none are left behind.
“I will continue to pursue the Northern Ireland Executive and BT to ensure better broadband access for rural communities, including farmers,” added Ms Ritchie.
]]>
