KC says Virgin Media pledge is no guarantee for rural fibre broadband

Virgin Media's pledge to speak to the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is unlikely to lead to the rollout of fibre optic broadband in rural areas, according to KC.

The cable company's plan to double the broadband speeds received by more than four million of its customers has been criticised by the CLA, which argued Virgin is focusing on subscribers who already have fast internet access at the expense of rural communities.

Virgin Media has since promised to discuss the matter with the rural campaign group, but director of consumer services at KC Nick Thompson insisted this does not mean vital broadband connectivity will be rolled out away from the UK's urban centres.

He commented: "Virgin Media's open-door policy to the CLA and other rural groups is a step forward. However, there is no guarantee that it will result in positive action."

The CLA has previously noted that at least one-fifth of rural areas are currently stuck with no broadband at all.