Rural broadband plans 'need improvement'

Miscommunication between government officials and regulators is threatening the success of plans to roll out broadband to rural areas, the boss of a fibre networks company has claimed.

Chris Smedley, chief executive of Geo, said Westminster promised competing companies access to BT's existing telecoms infrastructure which would enable them to provide high-speed internet to remote areas.

However comma Ofcom has prevented this since October, he stated, giving these firms only limited rights to use the equipment.

Mr Smedley argued this "policy gap" favours BT when pitching for broadband projects as it is the only company realistically in a position to provide the services.

"Britain has a thriving network of operators and service providers eager to help push for a digital transformation in this country, but the Ofcom ruling is jeopardising this," he remarked.

Mr Smedley called for the system to be fairer and more transparent, claiming BT has yet to provide the prices it will charge for the use of its poles and ducts.

BT recently began work on a £132 million project to provide 100 Mbps internet access to rural Cornwall.