DCMS call for evidence on Improving Connectivity - Which? response

Consumers across the UK must have access to good quality connectivity - people's lives are becoming more and more reliant on being connected to perform everyday tasks. However, consumers in very hard to reach areas can often experience difficulty in accessing better connections. This leaves them unable to take advantage of the benefits improved connectivity brings.

Consumer demand plays an important role in the rollout of new broadband infrastructure. However, consumers in hard to reach areas often lack valid alternatives and would switch to a better service if they were given the opportunity to do so. The benefits of and the need for these better connections will only increase as more services move online and people are increasingly reliant on good quality connectivity.

While there are barriers to rolling out connectivity infrastructure in very hard to reach areas, consumers can also face their own barriers to adoption. Lack of trust in the broadband market or concerns about cost may be barriers for some consumers.

However, there are options for providing connectivity in very hard to reach areas and a range of approaches are likely to be required, depending on why an area is hard to reach. Different approaches have different pros and cons, however it is critical that consumers are able to access a connection which provides them with the level of connectivity they require to fully partake in an increasingly digital world.