Universal Broadband Delivery – Mobile Companies Role

Author - Susan Pearson

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Universal Broadband Delivery – Mobile Companies Role

According to Communications Minister Ed Vaizey, mobile companies have a key role in the delivery of universal broadband and that the Government is aware that the industry’s technology can help meet goals to deliver access.  The Government has to ensure a good regulatory environment and that the improvement of connectivity should not be left to the private sector alone.

According to Ofcom citizens in the UK should be guaranteed minimum broadband speeds of 8Mbps.  However, the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK is working towards minimum speeds of 2Mbps – but this is considered too low.  The difference in speeds leaves a “big gap” in usage.

There is some question as to what universal connectivity means.  Ed Richards, CEO of Ofcom was quoted “It seems to be the case if you have less than 8Mbps you just use networks less, so there is a really interesting question about what, in the longer term, we mean by universal connectivity”.  According to Ofcom to enjoy a basic internet experience 8-10Mbps is required – What is meant by “basic internet experience”?  Is it personal use down loading films etc. or business use and down loading documents and files needed to run a business?

It would appear that the figure of 2Mbps is now an inaccurate figure of the speed required.

Beta Telecoms

www.betatelcoms.co.uk