Access to broadband more important than broadband speeds

Whilst much of the UK enjoys access to broadband services there have been issues relating to speed that have caused controversy. However, one industry expert has said that whilst speed may be an important issue increased access is the most important factor.

When it comes to broadband there are a number of issues in the UK that have caused controversy and debate. Whilst many people have access to broadband services this is not true of all areas of the UK, and many areas such as rural parts of the country struggle to get access. Another issue is speed, with many stating that the speed of broadband needs to be a priority issue that is looked at and addressed.

One industry official has now said that whilst broadband speeds may be an important issue to more important factor is broadband access, and that improving broadband coverage is more important than increasing broadband speeds. The argument came from Graham Walker of Race Online 2012.

Walker, the Head of Policy at Race Online 2012, said that plans to ensure that all Brits had the skills and the access to be able to access home broadband and surf the Internet were outlined in the Manifesto for a Networked Nation.

There are still millions of people that are not online across the UK, and Walker said that despite the importance of speed, access and coverage was something that needed to be prioritised. He said: “Super-fast broadband is another great ambition for the UK, but we cannot afford to wait for this to get millions more people online.”

Source – Broadband Choice