BBC blog questions broadband figures

A BBC blogger has had feedback after writing about BT's announcement of its £1.5 billion fibre-based broadband.

Adrian Linney from Herefordshire wrote to Rory Cellan-Jones to complain that many people in rural areas do not receive broadband at all.

This would make it difficult for businesses to use VoIP solutions or VoIP phones.

"We are a small minority of households and businesses for sure, but we are living in digital poverty whilst those who live in or near cities have their greed for speed met ultimately at our expense," he wrote.

Mr Cellan-Jones was told by telecoms regulator Ofcom that over 99 per cent of the population is connected to a broadband enabled exchange, but he now doubts these figures, as he found out that Mr Linney is connected to an exchange but could not receive broadband because he was too far from it.

He said: "There may well be more people in [broadband 'not spots'] than the one per cent of the population suggested by Ofcom."

Mr Linney feels everyone should be receiving at least some broadband before faster speeds are introduced.