Councils urge government to 'keep promise' on universal broadband speeds
The Local Government Association (LGA) has called on the government to fulfil its pledge for a new universal service obligation (USO) of 10 Mbps broadband speeds by 2020.
The organisation that supports councils and other regional bodies have requested that the government continues to support the obligation to ensure businesses and homes get access to superfast broadband. According to an interview with the BBC, the LGA has warned that premises across the country face “falling into a digital twilight zone”.
The USO was a pledge by previous prime minister David Cameron to have an initial minimum speed of at least 10 Mbps by 2020 and was announced in the Queen’s Speech in May. This was to ensure that the UK remains at the forefront as a “leader in the digital economy”.
As a result of the fallout from Brexit, however, ministerial changes have the LGA concerned that work on accomplishing these minimum speeds will not be reached and has called for a “timetable for action”.
Mark Hawthorne, from the LGA, said in the BBC interview, that good digital connectivity in this modern age was a “vital element of everyday life without [which] this there is the real possibility of some areas — particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas — falling into a digital twilight zone."
In response, the government said that it was on track to offer these speeds, and was continually reviewing it to make sure the speed is sufficient for modern life. It also has plans to set aside reasonable costs for the difficult to reach properties.
New digital minister Matt Hancock said that “nine of 10 UK homes and businesses already get access to superfast broadband, and Britain is on target to reach 95 per cent coverage by the end of next year.” The bill for the minimum speed requirement law is currently going through Parliament.
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.
