Research from Manchester University reveals significant disparities in UK broadband access.
- Rural areas in England, Scotland, and Wales trail behind Northern Ireland in broadband provision.
- Government funding biases exacerbate the urban-rural divide.
- Local authorities may play a crucial role in infrastructure improvement.
- Northern Ireland sets an example of successful broadband expansion.
Research conducted by Manchester University highlights a significant disparity in broadband access across the UK, particularly between urban and rural areas. This divide suggests that rural locations in England, Scotland, and Wales fall short compared to Northern Ireland in terms of broadband provision.
The Ofcom’s 2023 Connected Nations report indicates that while 97% of UK residences have access to superfast broadband, the break down of these statistics is less favourable for some regions. In particular, only 55% or less of England, Scotland, and Wales has access to full fibre broadband, compared to Northern Ireland, which has achieved 90% and above.
Government-funded schemes have been instrumental in improving broadband coverage, especially in hard-to-reach areas. In Northern Ireland, the confidence and supply agreement between the Democratic Unionist Party and the Conservatives has contributed to significant broadband development.
Funding allocation by Building Digital UK reveals a spatial bias, with England receiving the majority of support, while Wales receives less than 10%. This has led to disparities in coverage that could be addressed by empowering local authorities with greater autonomy in planning and implementing broadband infrastructure projects.
The authors argue for a place-based strategy, showing that Northern Ireland’s successful broadband expansion could serve as a blueprint for other areas. By granting local planners more power to prioritise investments, the broadband access gap could be narrowed. The clarity on investment outcomes and taxpayer spending remains a critical factor to encourage further industry investment.
Northern Ireland’s broadband success illustrates the potential of focused investment and policy innovation.
