Broadband divide widens in U.K.

Iria · Jan 21, 2006, 06:32 PM

Research firm Point Topic has warned that the use of high-speed Internet access in the U.K. is still skewed in favor of prosperous urban areas, and the problem may be getting worse.

Figures released on Thursday showing the top 10 areas for broadband use indicated that areas in and around London still dominate the charts, even though BT's DSL (digital subscriber line) broadband is available to about 99 percent of the population.

Wandsworth topped the national table, with an average of 25 broadband lines per 100 people. The lowest was Eilean Siar, or the Western Isles, with 4.9 per 100.

In some urban areas, broadband line density was boosted by the presence of small businesses that use DSL to get online. Analysts have predicted that the rise of telecommuting could boost broadband use in rural areas, as people choose to base themselves some distance from their place of work.
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Read More / Source: News.com

KNIBBO · Jan 22, 2006, 04:23 AM

I don't get it.

What's this article saying...that poor people generally don't have broadband or that the govt in the UK is concerned about people that aren't interested in the internet? LOL

In either case, WTF?

Mr cairo · Jan 22, 2006, 09:44 AM

its saying that broadband is being offered more readily to the big cities
and towns and the outlying rural areas are a low priority for getting it

they are not saying that they cant afford it just that companies cant be arsed to supply to low demand or rural/remote areas

niceguyrichy · Jan 22, 2006, 08:36 PM

take it from me, it can be a real pain in the ass to get broadband in rural areas of scotland (never lived anywhere else in the uk, so can't comment).
The only reason I ended up back with tiscali the last time i moved house is cos they were the only provider who'd connect me out here in the countryside

KNIBBO · Jan 24, 2006, 06:03 AM

Wow...if it hadn't been for this article, I never would have guessed that people living in the middle of nowhere don't have many options for connectivity

niceguyrichy · Jan 24, 2006, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KNIBBO

Wow...if it hadn't been for this article, I never would have guessed that people living in the middle of nowhere don't have many options for connectivity

not even the middle of nowhere.
I live a mere hour outside of the oil and gas capital of the UK (aberdeen for those that don't know), and ten minutes from the 2 other biggest towns in the north, and there's still all but no choice

Jan 21, 2006, 06:32 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 87	Broadband divide widens in U.K. Research firm Point Topic has warned that the use of high-speed Internet access in the U.K. is still skewed in favor of prosperous urban areas, and the problem may be getting worse. Figures released on Thursday showing the top 10 areas for broadband use indicated that areas in and around London still dominate the charts, even though BT's DSL (digital subscriber line) broadband is available to about 99 percent of the population. Wandsworth topped the national table, with an average of 25 broadband lines per 100 people. The lowest was Eilean Siar, or the Western Isles, with 4.9 per 100. In some urban areas, broadband line density was boosted by the presence of small businesses that use DSL to get online. Analysts have predicted that the rise of telecommuting could boost broadband use in rural areas, as people choose to base themselves some distance from their place of work. ___________ Read More / Source: News.com

Jan 22, 2006, 09:44 AM	#3
Mr cairo F0rum For Humans Only Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Slightly to the left Posts: 1,763 Rep Power: 87 System Specs	its saying that broadband is being offered more readily to the big cities and towns and the outlying rural areas are a low priority for getting it they are not saying that they cant afford it just that companies cant be arsed to supply to low demand or rural/remote areas __________________

Jan 22, 2006, 04:23 AM	#2
KNIBBO DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 39 Rep Power: 0	I don't get it. What's this article saying...that poor people generally don't have broadband or that the govt in the UK is concerned about people that aren't interested in the internet? LOL In either case, WTF?

Jan 24, 2006, 06:03 AM	#5
KNIBBO DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 39 Rep Power: 0	Wow...if it hadn't been for this article, I never would have guessed that people living in the middle of nowhere don't have many options for connectivity