[isp review] The government's new plan to bring faster broadband internet access to almost every community in the UK by 2015 ('Britain's Superfast Broadband Future'), which was released yesterday morning, has today been broadly well received by the vast majority of ISPs, albeit not without some extremely harsh criticism of particular points (e.g. Fibre Taxation).
Several critical issues, such as the controversially unbalanced tax on new fibre optic lines (Fibre Tax) and the minimum download speed commitment (USC) of 2Mbps, remain key stumbling blocks for some providers. Vtesse Broadband has even decided to stall further rural deployment projects until the regulatory issues can be fully resolved.
An ISPA Spokesperson said:
"ISPA welcomes Government's announcement making clear its vision, commitment and investment to bring the UK's broadband future to everyone. We welcome the aim of tackling the digital divide by bringing superfast broadband to rural areas and support cooperative work between industry and other stakeholders to help the roll out of broadband within the right regulatory and policy framework.
It is important to stress that there have been significant developments in superfast broadband by ISPs in the UK which is set to continue. ISPA would like to see any Government investment used for places where it is not viable for the market to reach to ensure that no-one is excluded from super-fast broadband and the opportunities it offers.
ISPA would also like Government to ensure that there is a level playing field when it comes to companies having access to backhaul networks when building their network. Currently 'fibre taxes' are considered by many to be hindering small scale network developments and slowing down the roll out of super-fast broadband across the country. The importance of sensible terms for open access to poles, ducts and cabinets is also
key."
UPD UK ISPs React to the Governments Superfast Broadband Report and Slam Fibre Tax
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