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CLA statement on the
Universal Service Obligation to deliver high speed broadband across the UK
THE Government has confirmed on 20
December 2017, that universal high speed broadband will be delivered by a
regulatory Universal Service Obligation (USO). An offer from BT to deliver a
universal service on its own terms was rejected by the Government. BT Openreach,
the largest provider of fixed line broadband infrastructure, consistently
opposed the USO to give every household or business premises the right to an
internet connection of a legally set speed of at least 10 megabits per second
(Mbps). The CLA which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses
welcomed the regulation.
CLA Senior Rural Business Adviser Dr Charles Trotman said:- "The
challenges of rolling out fast, reliable and affordable rural broadband are well
known but have been recognised by the Government with the commitment to provide
a universal service obligation of at least 10 Mbps from 2020. For too long,
rural areas have been at the back of the queue when it comes to investment in
infrastructure and that is why this legal principle is not something to
compromise on. Rural areas now stand a better chance of receiving a decent
broadband service without BT monopolising the market and deciding its own terms
for connection. It is vital for the Government to move as swiftly as possible
towards meeting its objective of universal coverage in 2020 and to ensure legal
guarantees are set for any future universal obligation. 10 Mbps is only a
benchmark minimum speed which is sufficient now, but as technology advances could
be too slow in just 5 years' time." |
