Legislation over provision of broadband being considered

According to recent reports ministers are considering new laws that would guarantee higher speed broadband for every home in a similar vein to the legislation that covers utilities such as energy and water.

The Labour government has already made it clear that it aims to provide universal broadband throughout the UK over the coming years, even in rural areas where residents and businesses currently experience difficulties in being able to access adequate broadband services. However, according to a recent report ministers are now thinking of bringing in legislation that would back up these plans.

Reports claim that ministers are thinking of bringing in laws that would guarantee higher speed broadband for every home, with legislation that would work in a similar way to that which covers household utilities such as energy and water. Council leaders have proposed the legislation in response to concerns over how rural areas are being left behind putting both residents and businesses in such areas at a disadvantage.

Council leaders have said that whilst the government has promised to supply minimum speeds of 2Mbps to all homes by 2012 this is not sufficient, and they want new laws to be brought in that would ensure faster broadband speeds than this across the board. Those living in urban areas will soon be able to enjoy faster broadband speeds, but those in rural areas are at risk of being left behind again.

One senior council official said: “People living in rural areas deserve the same quality of internet connection as those living in major towns and cities. Better broadband internet would encourage commuters to work from home which would cut traffic and CO2 emissions. Faster internet speeds will allow rural businesses to compete on a more level playing field with businesses in urban areas and make sure school children in rural areas are not disadvantaged by not being able to access information online.”

Source – Telegraph