Jillian Pitt, digital expert at Consumer Focus said:
‘Equality of access and affordability must drive considerations to roll-out next generation broadband across the UK. While we welcome the Government’s commitment on next generation broadband, the gap between the haves and have nots is widening, with the market delivering to affluent and highly populated urban areas.
‘Delivery of broadband access cannot just be left to the market. It is the areas being left behind that have the greatest need in terms of communication, access to services, and being able to compete commercially. The Government must ensure broadband is available to everyone regardless of location and income.
‘More also needs to be done to understand why many vulnerable consumers think the internet is irrelevant to them, and to promote the education, work and financial opportunities it can offer.’