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Final Third First calls for meeting with Broadband Delivery UKThe Final Third First broadband campaign today (17 March) called for an exploratory meeting with Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) - the body responsible for deploying the Government's Universal Service Commitment. The campaign group - which includes a range of broadband organisations and champions of wider community interests - aims to lobby the Government to provide adequate and effective broadband access for the "Final Third" of the UK which currently lacks this vital infrastructure. The BDUK is supposed to deliver broadband speeds of two megabits per second (Mbps) to every home in the country by 2012 as well as the Next Generation Access Fund.
CLA Head of Rural Business Development Dr Charles Trotman said: "We are delighted this new delivery team is now in place.
"We are seeking talks with BDUK to help explain the rationale behind Final Third First - and why it is vital that the Final Third receives effective and adequate broadband first."
He added: "We will also use the opportunity to call for an implementation plan that sets out how BDUK will deliver the Universal Service Commitment.
"It is clear there needs to be greater transparency in the policy process so that all involved can play their part."
Lindsey Annison, a long-term rural broadband campaigner, said: "It is important BDUK understands how much work has been done over the past decade and is able to benefit from the wide range of experience from thought leaders within the Final Third First campaign without trying to 'reinvent the wheel' unnecessarily."
Mike Kiely, of Broadband Britain, said: "BDUK has a critical role in delivering Next Generation Access into the Final Third. It is not just an upgrade in infrastructure. BDUK should accelerate the change in the UK information economy from a telecommunications superstructure to one based on delivering the full potential of simple high-speed, high-quality connectivity for all in the UK."
Chris Conder, of Wray Community Communications, said: "There is much that can be done at a government level and by working together. With collaboration everyone can bring their skill-sets to the table. I think BDUK should be invited to join the Final Third First campaign."
Neil Blake, of Ewelme Parish Council in Oxfordshire, said: "The Government assumes that everyone has access to a two megabits per second broadband service. They do not. The Universal Service Commitment by 2012 is no longer a luxury, it is a policy deployment necessity."
David Lewis, of Rutland Telecom, said: "We look forward to sharing our achievements of real deployments in rural Next Generation Access, which can be commercially viable and sustainable. "The opportunities offered by BDUK should be embraced by small operators who can work closely with rural communities to deliver meaningful solutions above and beyond the Universal Service Commitment and help to break down the digital divide." |
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An economist, advises on rural economic issues, particularly food policy, rural tourism, equine issues and telecommunications policy. 
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