The minimum broadband speed ‘should be doubled’

MINISTERS should double the minimum legal broadband speed, a government study says.

The new Digital Economy Act sets out powers for the Government to impose a minimum broadband speed of 10 megabits-per-second (10mbps) – typically fast enough to stream TV shows over the internet.

But a new study by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport suggests that a speed of 20mbps would offer better value for money.

The study, which was slipped out on Sunday, suggests a legal minimum speed of 10mbps would create benefits to the economy of £2.2billion once the costs of achieving it are taken into account.

Doubling the speed would create benefits worth £2.5billion, even after the higher cost of achieving it is factored in.

Former Tory Party chairman Grant Shapps, who is campaigning for ministers to get tough with the broadband industry, said: ‘ This is precisely the moment when Britain should be stretching our broadband speeds to ensure we’re competitive in the post-Brexit global race.’