Photograph: Alamy
Speaking over the weekend, David Cameron has announced he plans to introduce a universal service obligation (USO) which would give customers a legal right to request a 10 Mbps broadband connection in 2020.
David Cameron said: “Access to the Internet shouldn’t be a luxury; it should be a right – absolutely fundamental to life in 21st century Britain. That is why I’m announcing a giant leap in my digital mission for Britain. Just as our forebears effectively brought gas, electricity and water to all, we’re going to bring fast broadband to every home and business that wants it. That’s right: we’re getting Britain – all of Britain – online, and on the way to becoming the most prosperous economy in the whole of Europe.”
The new USO would replace the current USO for internet connections which is set at a measly 28.8 Kbps. It also stands to be far ahead of the government’s goal of 2 Mbps. Current government investment aims to give 95% of the country access to “superfast” speeds (24 Mbps for higher) by 2017. This USO would therefore serve as a ‘safety net’ for consumers to ensure they still have access to all the internet has to offer.
Questions remain over how exactly this will be paid for, as well as how “all of Britain” will be connected with 10 Mbps speeds. Rural communities already struggle to be granted 2 Mbps speeds, and there are gaps in the quality of connection even in more urban areas.
David Cameron is to speak more about the issue this Monday. The Government are to hold a consultation over the USO starting in 2016.