More ambitious broadband speeds needed for businesses, report claims

According to a report released by the Institute of Directors (IoD), Britain's businesses are in danger of being left behind over broadband speeds.

In the report, Ultrafast Britain, it claims the UK is struggling behind many other European countries, particularly over the laying of fibre optic cables.

It urges the Government to pledge the laying of faster internet connections for both homes and businesses and to ensure the UK is “ambitious” in remaining a digital leader.

The IoD believes the speed promised by the Government, 10Mbps, is too limiting and believes speeds should be 10Gbps by 2030, 1,000 times faster than the proposed target.

The report, coming days after the Ofcom review of the state of the broadband and telecoms market, has supported the argument put forward by BT's competitors, namely that competition should be allowed in order to improve the UK's broadband services.

It wants the Government to look into the upgrading of network infrastructure to maintain the country's position “at the forefront of digital innovation in business”.

Dan Lewis, senior advisor on Infrastructure Policy at the IoD and author of the report stated: "We have the leading internet economy in the G20, and yet download speeds are mediocre and the coverage of fibre optic cable is woeful.

"Unfortunately, the Government's current target displays a distinct poverty of ambition."

Of the IoD members interviewed for the report, many stated that improved broadband speeds could increase their productivity, make businesses much more competitive and offer more flexibility when it comes to working with their members of staff, thus, the need for companies to have access to fast broadband speeds.

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.

(Image: Kings Sutton)