CLA welcomes investment

8:27am Thursday 17th July 2008

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BT’s announcement that it is to invest £1.5 billion into the broadband infrastructure through the greater use of fibre optic, proves that the CLA has been justified in calling for fibre optic to be available to all.

Caroline Bedell, director of CLA West Midlands, said: “We have been saying for years that the broadband ‘nirvana’ is fibre optic to every door.

“With this announcement by BT, there is a recognition that our long-term goal is not only credible but may be coming to fruition.

“But this must be regarded as only the start.

“The government, which after all will see significant benefits and cost savings in a fibre optic roll out, must also share its responsibility and invest in the short, medium and long-term future for the UK economy.

“Clearly, the urban-rural divide is still very much in evidence and we believe that it is fundamental that this divide is narrowed.

“Fibre optic cabling can do this but it is essential that rural areas in the West Midlands region are not left out of the equation which would lead to a widening of the divide.”