Thomas Bridge 14 July 2014

UK broadband 'not up to speed', report warns

UK broadband is not 'fit for purpose' and Government targets won't go far enough to boost connectivity, a report has found.

The Federation of Small businesses (FSB) estimates 45,000 firms are still using a 'dial up' Internet service while many more are 'struggling' with speeds below 2 Megabits per second (Mbps).

Current Government goals to establish 24Mbps connections for 95% of the population and 2Mbps for the hardest to reach five per cent will fail to meet the future demands of UK businesses, according to The fourth utility.

Ministers were today urged to ensure firms located in local enterprise zones are fully connected to high speed broadband.

Business leaders said all commercial premises in the country should receive minimum speeds of 10Mbps by 2018/19 regardless of their location.

'The fact that we have around 45,000 businesses still on dial up is unacceptable and many more throughout the country, even in London, are receiving poor service,' John Allan, national chairman of the FSB said.

'Evidence from our members shows this clearly is a problem affecting all corners of the UK, rural areas and cities alike.

'While progress has been made with the residential market, businesses have not enjoyed the same benefits, which is holding back their growth,' Allan added.

Responding to the report, a spokesperson from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, said: 'In rural areas, more than 600,000 businesses and homes across the nation are already reaping the benefits of superfast access, and we're reaching 30,000 more every single week.

'In our cities, more than 1000 small and medium-sized businesses have already made use of our vouchers to boost their connectivity and free public wi-fi is being rolled out in city centres and on public transport across the UK.'

The Scottish Government today pledged to establish a Rural Connectivity Commission to support mobile and broadband coverage for rural business and homes if the country becomes independent in September.

Making payment processes smarter  image

Making payment processes smarter

It can be challenging to find the right software to streamline payment processes. Lewis McKenna-Crisp argues SmarterPay has the ideal solution for councils.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Worker

Essex County Council
£27934.00 - £35344.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Residential WorkerPermanent, Full Time£27,934 up to £35,344 Per Annum (includes allowance) equal to £14.48 to £18.32 Per HourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Early Years Keyworker

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£37,068 - £38,058
Want to make a difference for children with special educational needs in Greenwich? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Early Years Area SENCo

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£39,855 - £42,324
Have you got extensive experience in working within Early Years, with a clear understanding of child development Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Young Persons Substance Misuse Service Pathfinder

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£31,524 - £32,931
Are you looking to change the lives of young people? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Regulatory Compliance Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£37,068 - £38,058
You will be an apprentice embedded within the Trading Standards team. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner