THE roll out of superfast broadband needs to be speeded up according to Worcester-band Community Internet.
The Worcester-based rural broadband specialist, which has recently becoming the UK's first hybrid broadband provider, (with both a wireless and a fibre offering), was responding to the release of the Government’s ‘Evaluation of the Economic Impact and Public Value of the Superfast Broadband Programme’.
Digital Minister Margot James said the aim is to ensure access for all to fast and affordable broadband by 2020, while the government's long term target is for all the UK to be on full-fibre broadband - rather than rely on broadband delivered over copper networks - by 2033.
Red Peel, founder and director of Airband, said: "Today’s report shows the government’s investment in rural broadband is starting to have an impact but there remains a lot to be done, to ensure that roll-out of superfast programmes is as swift as possible.
“The number one problem is the way that councils manage their highways agencies, - often expensive and time-consuming permits are needed for fibre roll-out. This is causing a lot of frustration in the industry, and is significantly pushing up the cost of deploying fibre."
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