WIREDGOV

Will broadband be vital to the future of upland communities? This was one of several topics discussed by contributors attending our 5th Uplands inquiry hearing, in Ilsington, Devon.

Some of those giving evidence to our Inquiry Panel said that broadband is now essential to the success of many tourism businesses on the moors of the South West, citing the growth in online destination marketing and the increasing use of multi-media and online booking for holiday lets.

Our Inquiry Panel also heard that there is a common perception that hi-tech businesses can't operate in the uplands. However examples were given of many companies in the South West who can and do run successful businesses from upland towns, villages and even from their own homes.

There is a growing concern that most rural communities, particularly those in the more remote valleys, will be left behind as next generation higher speed broadband leads to new services that upland communities will not be able to access. This was one of the key issues raised in our recent report 'Mind the Gap: Digital England - a rural perspective'.

In this 5th of 6 regional hearings, several other significant concerns, challenges and potential solutions were raised by about 40 participants contributing evidence to the inquiry.

Read the hearing summary

Summary notes of earlier hearings are already available on our main Uplands Communities page and notes on the last hearing will follow shortly.

If you have any queries or would like to raise any points yourself please contact the inquiry team at: uplandsinquiry@ruralcommunities.gov.uk