Broadband levy is necessary but not enough, says the CLA

The CLA said that the Government’s aim to initiate a broadband internet levy would not be enough to secure superfast rural broadband.

The statement was made by the Minister for Digital Britain, Stephen Timms, who said the proposed levy would be presented to Parliament before the next General Election.

CLA President Henry Aubrey-Fletcher said: "A 50p-a-month levy on fixed-line telephone accounts would contribute only around £175 million towards the future of nationwide superfast broadband which will cost significantly more. While the levy is welcome, it is nowhere near enough to secure future rural broadband provision.

"What is needed – on top of this levy – is a partnership of private and public funding. Government and infrastructure providers need to be much more innovative if we are to see fast, reliable broadband for the whole of the UK, not just urban areas.

"Without this, rural businesses will continue to suffer and the digital divide will grow."