CONCERNS still remain about rural areas being well connected to the internet. Ofcom’s annual Connected Nations report, which measures progress in the availability and capability of broadband and mobile services in the UK, has been published. Responding to the report, CLA president Mark Bridgeman said: “While minor improvements to connectivity have been made, it’s clear that little progress on increasing 4G and broadband coverage in rural areas has been achieved. “The current 4G growth in rural areas has completely slowed down with minimal increases on last year when there should be significant increases year-on-year. This lack of growth does little for the rural economy and for those who live and work in the countryside.