Broadband - A Cure for Financial Isolation?

Broadband speeds differ a tremendous amount throughout the UK, but if you're "out in the country", it's a fair bet that the speeds you're 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 ATM's, banks and Post Offices. As around a fifth of the UK's population live outside of towns an cities, its surprising that less than 10% of the UK's ATM's can be found in such location's.

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", it's not a matter that isn't 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 ATM's and so-called 'mobile banks' in rural areas over the coming years.

It's 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 can't benefit from such services.

Liam is a UK author, currently focusing on broadband. Compare cheap broadband online today.

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