Tech expert says fibre broadband may not be best for rural areas

Fibre optic broadband is not the smartest option for improving connectivity in rural communities, according to a technology industry consultant.

Steve Nimmons, who is also a member of the Conservative Party's technology forum, said satellite and mobile solutions are both "perfectly reasonable" alternatives to fibre broadband infrastructure.

Internet service providers may not see enough return to justify the significant investment required to bring super-fast fixed-line connectivity to remote and isolated areas, he noted.

Mr Nimmons commented: "There's obviously going to be a commercial cut-off point where you can't distribute enough to a certain hub and I think that mobile technologies and satellite technologies are certainly smart ways to go."

The government has come in for criticism from some industry experts - and the House of Lords - for focusing on boosting headline speeds in the UK, rather than concentrating on improving coverage in rural locations.

Former Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt defended this stance and stated his ambition to achieve the fastest broadband of any major European nation.