Broadband minimum should be 10Mbps
A NEW campaign has been launched to ensure home broadband is at least 10Mbps, fast enough for home working and live streaming.
Research has revealed that almost two thirds (62%) of broadband users in the SouthEast do not know they are entitled to demand this speed, despite 56% of residents saying the pandemic has increased their reliance on the internet.
In fact almost nine in 10 people consider it as important as gas, water, and electricity.
The survey, conducted by 4G and 5G broadband provider National Broadband, forms part of its Entitledto10 campaign which aims to increase awareness of the Universal Service Obligation for Broadband (USO) among consumers and pressure the Government to increase its efforts to improve broadband services to the most digitally deprived.
The current scheme only provides maximum per property funding of £3,400 towards the cost of building or upgrading any necessary network infrastructure. Additional costs have to be covered by the home, and these can run into the many tens of thousands of pounds.
And more than 600,000 premises in the UK are still unable to access decent broadband via a fixed line.
As a result, National Broadband is calling for the Government to increase its support for alternative broadband solutions that can provide immediately improved broadband to those who are most digitally deprived in the UK, and at a fraction of the cost of fibre.
David Hennell, business development director at National Broadband, said: “There are still far too many people in homes across the country that are being left behind due a lack of access to decent broadband.
“The Government frequently talks a good game about levelling up and closing the Digital Divide, but too often fails to deliver.
“The current USO is a perfect case in point, as it all too frequently gives hope of an improved service to those suffering from shockingly slow broadband speeds and most in need hope of an improved service – but then leaves them facing astronomical costs to actually get better connectivity.”
He added: “We of course appreciate that in some locations installing fibre is unavoidably costly, but if the Government continues to ignore viable alternatives, then those most in need of improved broadband will carry on suffering.
“At National Broadband we’re passionate about helping people get connected and experience the tremendous benefits that fast broadband can provide. Many of our existing customers were previously waiting on the promise of fibre or left dumbfounded after being quoted exorbitant prices for installation.
“We hope our campaign can help spread awareness of both their consumer rights but also the alternative solutions immediately available to people who are struggling with slow broadband.”