Conservatives promise cheapest superfast broadband in Europe
The Conservative Party has pledged that it will deliver the fastest and the cheapest superfast broadband in Europe if it wins the General Election next month.
As part of the party's manifesto, which was released yesterday (14 April), the Conservatives pledged to invest £100 million in infrastructure, including upgrades for mobile and broadband.
Announcing the manifesto in Swindon, Prime Minister David Cameron stated that speeds of at least 24Mbps will be delivered to 95 per cent of the UK by the end of 2017.
"We will ensure no-one is left behind by subsidising the cost of installing superfast capable satellite services in the very hardest to reach areas," the Conservative manifesto says.
"And we will also release more spectrum from public sector use to allow greater private sector access."
The manifesto also includes a pledge on ultrafast broadband, which is speeds in excess of 100Mbps. The Conservatives say this option should be available to "nearly all UK premises as soon as practicable".
Earlier this week, Labour pledged to deliver superfast broadband for all as part of its manifesto.
"This will include superfast broadband being available to all parts of the UK that are not economic for the market to serve unaided," a spokesperson for the party said.
"We will also work with the regulator to ensure the right framework is in place to maximise the potential of private sector investment in broadband networks."
The Green Party has also launched its manifesto at an event in Brighton this week, with the party pledging that if it wins the election internet service providers will be given an "obligation to provide affordable high-speed broadband-capable infrastructure to every household and small business".
"This in particular will encourage video-conferencing, helping to reduce both business and family travel," says the Green Party's manifesto.
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)
