UK broadband not fit for purpose, says business group;
UK broadband is not fit for purpose and a major government rethink is needed, according to a business lobby group. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) says that the UK’s broadband target is simply not ambitious enough when compared to other nations.
It is calling on the government to commit to delivering a minimum of 10Mbps (megabits per second) for all homes and businesses by 2018/19.
It would like to see this rise to 100Mbps by 2030.
“If small businesses are to thrive and prosper and contribute to a growing economy, they need universal access to what is now considered the fourth utility,” concludes an FSB report on the current state of broadband.
“Evidence from our members shows this clearly is a problem affecting all corners of the UK, rural areas and cities alike. While progress has been made with the residential market, businesses have not enjoyed the same benefits, which is holding back their growth.”
But BT suggested the picture was not as bad as the FSB had suggested.
“73% of UK premises can access fibre – including some businesses who say they can’t in this report – and that should rise to 90% in under two years,” said a spokeswoman.
“Having said that, we know that many businesses are waiting for fibre and it may be they’re prominent among the 4% of FSB members that replied to this survey.
“The good news is that fibre should reach the vast majority of that 4% in the coming months or next couple of years under existing plans.”
Credit for this article is to BBC. Full article here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-28232142