Enhanced broadband access as a solution to the social and economic problems of the rural digital divide

TLDR

The digital divide between rural and urban areas threatens rural communities, as broadband access—essential for information, health, education, business, and social services—is increasingly scarce and underused in remote regions. The study aims to analyze the challenges of delivering broadband in rural Britain and to identify priority policy and government actions. It examines multiple technological solutions for rural broadband deployment and evaluates their feasibility to inform policy recommendations.

Abstract

This article discusses the danger of a growing digital divide between rural and other areas. It presents broadband as increasingly necessary for the delivery of information, health, education, business, social security, public and leisure services. Access to broadband has become vital for rural communities to participate in a progressively digital economy and to overcome problems of physical and social isolation. Yet rural areas are among those most excluded from fast broadband developments. Although this is partly due to technological/economic barriers in reaching more remote locations, even where technology is available, adoption can still be low in rural areas. This article explores the problems of providing broadband in rural Britain, considers various technological approaches and concludes with key development areas for policy and government.