Britain's slow broadband affecting businesses

According to a recent report Britain’s businesses are being affected by the nation’s relatively slow broadband speeds

There has been a good deal of concern over the speed and advancement of broadband technology in Britain over recent months, and according to one recent report the relatively slow broadband speeds available in Britain are affecting many businesses in the country, weakening them and restricting their capabilities and achievements.

A survey was recently carried out by BT Openreach, Ofcom, and the Communications Management Association. The results of the survey showed that around a third of businesses were not happy with their Internet access and speeds, and the demand for next generation access is expected to soar over the coming two years.

The CMA is now calling upon the government to put plans in place to ensure the availability of next generation access across the UK. One industry official said that this matter had been brought up by the CMA last year. He said: “Fourteen months on, there is little sign of either a concerted or innovative approach to regulation and policy making, which the government acknowledged as recently as last September as being necessary.”

The CMA has said that the efficiency of many businesses could be affected as a result of slower broadband, and added that a “lack of provision to meet predicted demands will frustrate companies’ e‐commerce operations.” The Next Generation Access report compiled by the CMA involved responses from over one hundred and fifty businesses.
A CMA official added: “The gap between government rhetoric and formulation of policy appears to be as wide as ever. Back in April last year, we warned there was a limited window of opportunity over the next 12-24 months to develop and implement a concerted and innovative approach to regulation and policy making that would lead to a market led transition to next generation broadband.”