Culture Secretary pledges 'UK will have fastest broadband in Europe by 2015'

Culture Secretary pledges 'UK will have fastest broadband in Europe by 2015'

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt has claimed that the UK will be able to boast Europe’s fastest broadband connectivity by 2015, in an address to businesses based at East London’s 'Silicon Roundabout',

He told the technology start-ups about the importance of fast internet to businesses and homes in the UK. He was quoted in a report in the Guardian as having said, "To really be the best you need to be the fastest. I am today announcing an ambition to be not just the best overall, but specifically the fastest broadband of any major European country."

There is currently a fair amount of scepticism about Hunt's claims, due to the fact that much of the UK still suffers from a severe lack of fast broadband connections, with many businesses opting for leased lines to try to ensure that they can compete in the global marketplace. However, the government is keen to improve matters with a £530 investment in broadband roll-out, which it hopes will enable the UK to avoid being left behind when it comes to internet connectivity.

During the speech, Hunt talked about how vital connectivity is to the future of UK business. He said, "Getting the plumbing right for our digital economy is not just an advantage to consumers – it is also essential for our digital and creative industries, all of whom need reliable high-speed networks to develop and export their products as they move large digital files around the world."

The government's broadband policy has recently attracted criticism from the House of Lords, which said not enough is being done to tackle the digital divide that is emerging between the UK's haves and the have-nots.

hSo provides managed networks designed for business. To get an instant cost for a leased line at your location, visit our online leased line price checker.