Rural small businesses need better broadband, says Countryside Alliance

Rural small businesses are being left in the slow lane of a "two-speed digital economy", research from the Federation of Small Businesses out today (15 January) has shown.

The findings of the polling1 show that nearly half (49%) of the UK's million rural small businesses are dissatisfied with their broadband service. This is nearly double the level of dissatisfaction experienced by urban small businesses (28%).

Sarah Lee, head of policy at the Countryside Alliance said: "We support the FSB's call for a review of the Government's broadband policy. The importance of broadband to rural households and businesses cannot be overestimated, with many deeming it an essential service, alongside water, electricity and gas, yet there is still a marked digital divide between urban and rural areas.

"Our own research shows that 82% of rural people believe superfast broadband is essential to 21st century life and that everyone should have access to it2 but 56% feel the Government is not doing enough to ensure it happens.

"If rural businesses are to be able to compete with those in urban areas it is crucial that they have access to this service. The Government needs to ensure superfast broadband services are available to all businesses, no matter where they are based."

For further information, contact the Countryside Alliance head of media Charlotte Cooper on 07500 834163 or [email protected]

Notes for journalists
1 FSB uncovers a 'two-speed digital economy - http://www.fsb.org.uk/news.aspx?loc=pressroom
2 1,509 interviews were carried out online by ORB International on behalf of the Countryside Alliance between 5 and 8 September 2014. When asked which services should be universally provided, 82% or rural and 78% of urban respondents mentioned broadband. But 56% of rural people did not feel the Government was doing enough to ensure the service was provided in their area.