I think the commission should visit the farms, the little shops and the multitude of homeworkers and get their opinions on the broadband connections they have (or have not as the case is often true).
The many small and micro businesses are usually ignored. It is great to see larger ones thriving, but many are being left out of the picture and nobody is representing them to the Carter team. Rural areas are very badly served by the current broadband infrastructure, and mobile is not the answer, it isn't good enough and never will be. Fibre is the only cure to rejuvenate the rural economy. (or shut down all the supermarkets so people can make a living on the land once more). If supermarkets are to continue, then rural people need to make a living another way, and ICT can provide that for them with a decent connection.

Thanks for your comment Chris.

We carry out a number of visits to rural people, communities and businesses throughout the year, to help inform and direct our work. In particular, Stuart Burgess, our Chair and the Rural Advocate, visits and talks with people in rural communities across England to listen to their concerns, and find out more about the issues they face.

Among other issues, Stuart has been highlighting the need for equitable access to high-quality broadband services in his reports and recommendations to the Prime Minister and to government. As a result of his efforts we've also been given the opportunity to make a contribution to the Digital Britain report, to help ensure it reflects the needs of rural people communities and businesses.

Our report to Lord Carter will draw upon the opinions and experiences of all the people, businesses  and communities we've visited, and the research we've carried out, to help ensure the Digital Britain report takes full account of rural needs and circumstances.