Innovative broadband projects are the answer for hard to reach areas

The Countryside Alliance welcomes the announcement of the eight innovative projects which have been chosen by the Government to test alternative ways of boosting superfast broadband coverage in rural areas.

The ground-breaking projects chosen to be tested in the £10m Department of Culture Media and Sport initiative were revealed today (19 June). Click here to see list

Countryside Alliance head of policy Sarah Lee said: "This is very welcome news and a great stride forward in the drive to improve rural connectivity. We have always said that a mix of technologies, rather than fixed line broadband, would answer to the question of how to provide superfast broadband to the final 5% of homes and businesses in rural areas.

"By using a variety of means - including wireless and satellite provision - and investigating different ways to fund these projects, we hope the Government will find the key to improving broadband coverage in rural areas.

"We look forward to seeing the results of these trials. Superfast broadband is becoming as vital to communities as water and heating."