A fast and reliable broadband connection not only allows homes and families to function in a digital age, but also underpins economic growth. Broadband is a modern necessity, and the Government is working hard to ensure that the whole of Britain receives the broadband it needs.
Currently, over 90 per cent of UK premises are now able to connect to superfast broadband, and we are on track to reach 95 per cent by the end of next year. This means that the UK has the highest superfast broadband coverage amongst the top five European economies. However, more needs to be done to ensure that all parts of the country have the access to the broadband they need, particularly in rural areas like Derbyshire Dales.
Ofcom have been working hard to address the issues that may prevent this from happening. The current relationship between BT and Openreach will not deliver the country’s needs for more competition, better innovation and better service and Ofcom should take whatever action is needed to correct any competition problems, however radical a change that might be. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) are clear that a more independent Openreach is needed to benefit consumers and the UK’s digital infrastructure. It is right that full structural separation remains an option if BT’s proposals do not go far enough.
By Patrick McLoughlin on September 01, 2016