Rural broadband inquiry to examine impact of CAP digital
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MPs have launched an inquiry into broadband coverage in rural areas and how it will impact the new digital-only CAP scheme.
From January 2015, all applications for the new CAP schemes will have to be made online.
The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has committed to providing a “range of additional support” for customers who can’t get online, don’t have access to a computer or don’t have the necessary skills to use one.
The government aims to provide universal access to standard broadband with a speed of at least 2Mbps and to ensure superfast broadband is available to 95% of UK premises by 2017.
Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) is responsible for managing the Rural Broadband Programme. However, many farmers are still suffering from woefully inadequate internet access and the project has not yet reached many rural areas across the UK.
The inquiry, by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) committee, is open for submissions until 19 November , will examine the current broadband coverage in rural areas and the new digital-only services. It will also look at the “Assisted Digital” support being offered by the government.