Britain has one of the most extensive first-generation broadband infrastructures in the world, yet there remain persistent reports of people and businesses that seem unable to benefit. The Community Broadband Network in conjunction with the Access to Broadband Campaign, with sponsorship from Avanti Broadband carried out an online survey to assess the issue and received over 1200 reports of “notspots” - areas that cannot get a suitable broadband service.

Launched at the European Forum of the IT Works Conference in Newcastle on 14^th June, the report maps these notspots across England, Scotland and Wales and analyses them by region. Not all are in deeply rural parts of the country. Doncaster, Sheffield, Milton Keynes – even parts of London feature.

Some surprising regional variations in notspot reports have been uncovered.

The report ‘Notspots – A Study of Britain’s Broadband-free Areas’ will be published on Monday 19^th June on CBN’s website.

A free download of the report summary is available here. The detailed report including notspot location data (including a Google Earth overlay) is being made available initially to regional development agencies and other public sector bodies with an interest in providing ubiquitous broadband coverage, for a fee of £1250 +VAT.

GTC was pleased to be involved in the compilation if the report, looking into the reasons for poor access to broadband being reported, and the regional variations.

• Which region has the biggest problem?
• Which public intervention had the biggest impact?
• What can be done to finish the job?

To find out, come to the report launch at St James' Park, home of Newcastle United, at 10am on Wednesday 14th June or contact CBN directly.