Broadband: A Cure for Financial Isolation?
Broadband speeds differ a tremendous amount throughout the UK, but if youre out in the country, its a fair bet that the speeds youre experiencing are far from what you would like.
A study published by the Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) has revealed that a mere 4.3% of customers is rural areas get a download speed of over 4Mbps, compared to 30% of customers in towns and cities.
The report also uncovered some other disappointing figures, with regards to rural access to ATMs, banks and Post Offices.
As around a fifth of the UKs population live outside of towns an cities, its surprising that less than 10% of the UKs ATMs can be found in such locations.
According to the report, many rural residences have to travel just over a mile before they will reach a Post office, and around 2.5 miles for an ATM, bank or building society!
Even though broadband speeds are fairly disappointing for people out in the sticks, its not a matter that isnt being addressed.
The findings of the report have urged the private sector to better cooperate and understand the needs of the rural residence.
One example of this is plans put forward by the British Bankers' Association to make available more ATMs and so-called mobile banks in rural areas over the coming years.
Its worth noting though, that currently 15.7 million Britons are making use of their banks online services. Therefore, even if your broadband connection is poor, there should be no reason you too cant benefit from such services.
About the Author: Liam is a UK author, currently focusing on broadband. Compare cheap broadband online today.
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