The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is seeking government assistance to help homes in rural areas get access to broadband services.

The Digital Dales event that is to be held today, will reveal plans to improve and encourage broadband access and services; with the primary focus being rural areas.

Charles Trotman of the CLA has stated that the CLA is working on proposals regarding the access to hand over to the Digital Britain team. This report will be submitted in the coming weeks.

Since the government initiative to provide broadband access is still ongoing, the locals have decided to help themselves. The BBC has reported that the residents of Wennington have set up their own network to improve their connectivity and to fulfil their needs. One of the local cattle farmers stated that the residents had signed an agreement under which the internet would be used for only official purposes until 5pm. However after business hours everyone was free to download music and visit sites like YouTube or online gaming sites. This frenetic online activity in the night makes the internet speed slow down but it was still a huge effort that the locals put together, which works for them.

The CLA is working on the Digital Britain plans with the government. They are attempting to rule for a universal service obligation for broadband providers with a minimum 2Mb speed by 2012. To ensure the plans stay on course for implementation, the also want a private – public partnership so that there are sufficient funds.

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