Broadband 'is fourth basic utility'
Broadband has been described as the fourth basic utility by companies demanding improved business broadband connections in London.
Brian Bickell, chief executive of Chinatown and Carnaby Street landlord Shaftesbury, explained that the business broadband available in the West End is not fast enough.
Speaking to the London Evening Standard, he stated that there is not enough capacity available in this part of the city and "creative businesses which are shifting huge amounts of data around really need it".
Charles Begley, executive director of the Westminster Property Association, is also campaigning for better business broadband in London and argued that unless improvement is made to the city's infrastructure, jobs and growth could be affected.
"We live in a globally competitive age and it is shockingly short-sighted that businesses are not being provided with the critical infrastructure to enable them to compete effectively," he said.
Ian Hawksworth, head of Covent Garden property firm Capital & Counties, added that London's broadband infrastructure should aim to be "ahead of the game".
He pointed out that high-speed broadband is "at the cutting edge of enhancing competitiveness" for residents in the capital, as well as visitors, consumers and business. Mr Hawksworth added: "It is a must-have investment in London's future."
Westminster council's campaign is calling for BT to step up its broadband infrastructure upgrades in the city and council leader Philippa Roe said partners need to prove to the telecoms company that the demand is there for better business broadband in London.
BT responded by noting dedicated lines are available for firms to get access to ultrafast high capacity broadband, with government grants on offer to help organisations to get connected.
The company said: "London is recognised as a world leader in terms of connectivity by independent experts. A PWC report said London is 'technologically on the top of its game' and second only to Seoul when it comes to broadband."
However, the latest Ofcom data showed that less than half of business and residential premises located in the Westminster area currently have access to Virgin fibre broadband or the BT Openreach fibre network.
Businesses looking to move services into the cloud should evaluate the performance of their existing network and consider setting up a leased line or MPLS network.
(Image: Kainet)
