West Somerset Tops New Index of Broadband Digital Deprivation

Point Topic has updated their Digital Deprivation Index that attempts to identify which parts of the UK are most likely to struggle with the take-up of superfast broadband (30Mbps+) services, often due to issues such as low income or disability. Sadly West Somerset and Hull come top of the table.

The latest data claims that there remains a persistent and “in some respects deepening” Digital Divide across the United Kingdom, although it doesn’t always matter if you’re looking at a rural or urban area because the risk of Digital Deprivation can be found everywhere and tackling it remains very difficult.

Generally Income continues to be the “primary predictor of overall adoption” and the study warns that “forcing poorer populations onto relatively expensive, data limited broadband services will only entrench and extend existing divides.”

Point Topics Statement

“Broadband non-adoption is common to urban and rural environments. There are many reasons but income, education and disability are the elements that have the most impact. Now we can figure out what impact they have and where we can start the next stage of broadband delivery for the UK and perhaps even extend our lead over our European partners.”

At this point we should say that rural areas often have to pay extra for their connections because it’s more expensive to cater for smaller communities and this can be reflected in service cost. For example, some LLU (unbundled) ISPs tend to charge a higher price if you aren’t covered by their network. Similarly those that reside outside of PlusNet’s low cost areas often pay significantly more and may also receive even slower speeds.

On the flip side there are some communities that have worked to roll-out their own superfast broadband services, but if these services are too expensive then those on lower incomes may yet struggle to benefit and be unable to afford the new connection. This can just as easily apply in urban areas, such as when lower incomes are a key factor.

The Most (On Average) at Risk Local Authorities

1. West Somerset
2. Hull (City)
3. East Lindsey
4. North Norfolk
5. King’s Lynn and West Norfolk
6. Fenland
7. Tendring
8. Torridge
9. Boston
10. Hastings

However Point Topic does note that there has been an improvement in most areas. In particular Cornwall and some of the South West coast appears to have improved overall, as do large chunks of the North West. Likewise it’s noted that Camden and much of South West London has improved significantly relative to other authorities.

Unfortunately Point Topic’s public summary only covers England and doesn’t offer a very detailed report, which makes it difficult to draw too many conclusions. However they have provided a colourful map of the hot spots for this problem, albeit ignoring Wales and Scotland etc.