One million Londoners unhappy with broadband speeds
A poll by YouGov for the Foundation for Information Society Policy (FISP) has found that there is widespread unhappiness among Londoners when it comes to broadband speeds and provisions in the capital.
Over a million Londoners are unhappy with their broadband speed, according to the poll, and only a third believe that the city has the capacity to meet demands.
According to foundation member and telecoms analyst David Brunnen, demand for super-fast broadband is increasing, but that the infrastructure is still based on copper wiring, not fibre optics, and has urged whoever is the next mayor of London is to take immediate action to ensure increased speeds and capacity in the city.
Mr Brunnen said: “This dangerous situation will diminish economic and societal growth in the future unless London’s incoming mayor is able and willing to take drastic action.
“Slow broadband has a particularly adverse effect on those who are trying to work flexibly from home, and on small businesses and startups based in people’s homes. They are reliant on speedy internet to run successful operations.
“Hundreds of thousands of Londoners are unhappy with their broadband. Unless quick action is taken to support growth and encourage investment, there will be serious repercussions in the near future."
Along with FISP urging candidates to commit to future-proofing infrastructure, fellow businesses have also called for clarity over speeds and to ensure that London does not end up going backwards, as businesses depend on superfast, reliable broadband.
Westminster Council member Jonathan Glanz said: “Residents and businesses from Maida Vale to Victoria Square via Marylebone and Soho are amazed that they cannot receive superfast broadband in the heart of London.
“Their frustration at the lack of clarity, the pace of progress and the unambitious targets which fail to take account of future demand leaves them unable to comprehend why the market cannot or will not provide them with cost effective and affordable superfast or ultrafast broadband connectivity.”
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(Image: Kings Sutton)
