4G coverage might result in higher rural broadband bills

Wireless technology has definitely made life a whole lot easier. Because of it, users are able to access the Internet whenever and wherever they may need to, whether it’s for work or for entertainment. I often check my email while I’m away from the office or when I don’t have access to a computer on my laptop or tablet. That way, I make sure that I don’t miss reading any important messages while I’m away; plus, it really does make communicating with friends, family, and colleagues more convenient.

However, such mobile usage comes with a price. Many networks are having difficulty meeting the demands of users, which Ericsson has reported to have doubled in the last twelve months. One major factor that has contributed to the spike in demand is the type of content that users are viewing from their mobile devices, such as sites that stream music and video content online.

The government has drawn up plans to make use of 4G technology to meet its pledge of universal broadband in the country. This is line with its universal service commitment (USC), which has the goal of equipping the whole of the UK with a minimum broadband connection speed of of 2Mbps by 2015. However, campaigners have warned that it might end up leaving rural areas with expensive and limited services instead.

Ed Vaizey, who is the minister responsible for broadband, said: “Ofcom’s current coverage proposal for the combined auction of the spectrum at 800MHz and 2,600MHz includes providing a service of not less than 2Mbits/sec to 95% of the population.” Vaizey confirmed that these mobile connections are included towards the broadband USC.

A spokesperson for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport stated: “Essentially, the Broadband Delivery UK program will take into account the spectrum auction. What we’re committed to is making sure that everybody in the country has access to at least 2Mbits/sec – however that’s provided is immaterial.”

In essence, 4G will be able to aid the government achieve the goals that it has set; however, campaigners have raised the concern that the cost of such services might prove to be costly. One such advocate stated: “There aren’t many really unlimited packages for data and the data that you have to buy is significantly more expensive than it would be for fixed-line services.”

Head of rural business development for the Country Land and Business Association, Charles Trotmanm, also commented: “As far as we’re concerned, we don’t care how it’s done just as long as it’s done. They have to use every technology to make it happen, but it has to be affordable, because if not people simply won’t take it up and the infrastructure will be wasted.”

Source – PC Pro