ISP KC Claims to Have Eradicated Broadband NotSpots in Hull UK

Hull’s incumbent telecoms operator, KC, claims to have “completely eradicated” broadband “not spots” in its corner of Yorkshire (England). The development, which comes a full three years ahead of the UK government’s 2015 target, means that 100% should now be able to access download speeds of at least 2Mbps (Megabits per second).

The operator claims to have taken a “pioneering approach” to tackling the problem through a “multi-million pound investment” in delivering superfast 100Mbps+ fibre optic connections straight to the premises (FTTP) in “rural locations where the distance to the nearest telephone exchange meant that download speeds were very slow“.

Nick Thompson, Director of Consumer Services at KC, said:

“KC is committed to providing the best service for our customers in Hull and East Yorkshire and universal provision of minimum 2Mbps broadband is a major milestone. It puts us at the forefront of rural broadband provision in the UK and other ISPs need to follow our lead to keep the UK competitive in the digital economy.”

Charles Trotman of the CLA added:

“KC is taking a leading role in eliminating the digital divide between urban and rural communities across its network and delivering a level playing field for rural businesses for the first time. Other ISPs need to follow KC’s lead and recognise the impact that giving the “final third” access to decent download speeds stands to have on the UK as a whole.”

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) claims that around “18-20% of rural areas cannot get broadband“, which others would surely disagree with (i.e. affordable Satellite solutions are available as a stop-gap solution). It also estimates that around 100,000 businesses (total turnover of up to £60bn) are being held back by slow speeds.

Meanwhile KC is continuing to roll-out its fibre optic network and hopes to pass 15,000 premises by the end of 2012. Overall KC (formerly Kingston Communications) serves more than 100,000 homes and businesses with communications services.