Access to fast and reliable digital connectivity is a necessity for households and businesses in the UK.
Key messages
The Government's proposed creation of a broadband Universal Service Obligation is a step in the right direction for creating a safety net to residents and businesses not connected. The Government must ensure the USO keeps pace with national average speeds and the expectations of households, provides consistent upload speeds and obligates providers to fix faults with connections within appropriate timescales.
Access to fast and reliable digital connectivity is a necessity for households and businesses in the UK and is a major driver behind growth, jobs and the emerging creative industries. It is essential the USO is implemented as quickly as possible to ensure all residents in the UK have access to a minimum standard of connection. The LGA has worked with the Government and Parliament to raise councils' ongoing concerns over residents' lack of access to fast and reliable broadband.
While the recent announcement in the Autumn Statement of new investment for digital infrastructure is good news, the Government must not lose sight of the needs of communities, particularly in rural areas, already struggling to receive a basic broadband service.