In November 2015, the Prime Minister announced the government’s intention to implement a new broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO). This will give people the right to request an affordable broadband connection, at a minimum speed, from a designated provider, up to a reasonable cost threshold. Their ambition is that the USO should be set at 10Mbps.
The subsequent consultation is now live, and can be seen via the following link: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/broadband-universal-service-obligation. Its aim is to seek views on the process the Government intends to follow to deliver a broadband USO. The consultation is open until 18th April.
Rochester and Strood MP, Kelly Tolhurst, said
“Since my election in May last year, I am well aware of the numerous broadband issues, particularly involving BT, across Rochester and Strood, and I have been pleased to raise these issues in the House of Commons.
“The areas that have been chiefly affected by poor service include areas of Rochester town centre, Hoo Peninsula, Medway City Industrial Estate and the Old Chatham Dockyard. This has caused significant hindrances to many residents and businesses which are entitled to the appropriate service. However, I am also conscious that there will be many more individual cases of poor service across our area that have so far been silent.
“It would therefore be beneficial for as many people and businesses as possible to contribute their views to the consultation.”
The consultation explains the government’s rationale for a broadband USO, the proposed measures that are intended to put in legislation, and the roadmap that will be followed to take this work forward.