Challenges remain for broadband rollout

UK communications industry regulator Ofcom has warned considerable challenges still remain regarding the successful rollout of superfast broadband across many parts of the country.

As part of Ofcom’s Infrastructure Report 2014, the body revealed that while the general quality and level of provision for broadband services is improving, there remains several key areas where improved performance is required.

Delivering broadband connectivity across rural areas, in city ‘not-spots’, for small to medium-sized enterprises and in the ultrafast segment - above 1 Gbps - are all now top priorities to ensure the UK’s broadband network is among the best in Europe in the years ahead.

Ofcom Chief Executive Ed Richards said: “Our challenge is to keep supporting competition and innovation, while also helping to improve coverage across the country - particularly in hard-to-reach areas where mobile and home internet services need to improve.”

He added that improved digital infrastructure forms a key part of future prosperity for the nation as a whole.