The government has promised consumers a guaranteed minimum
broadband speed of at least 2MBs.
Communications minister Stephen Timms said that the 2MBs
universal broadband service proposed in the Digital Britain
report was for a guaranteed minimum network speed delivered to
consumers.
His promise goes further than Digital Britain report which spoke
of an "up to 2MBs" service.
Timms was speaking at packed meeting of the
All Party Parliamentary
Committee on Communications (apComms).
Derek Wyatt chairman of the telecoms watchdog, OFCOM, welcomed
the minister's statement.
"I am encouraged by the minister being brave enough to guarantee
two megabits," he said.
Officials at the Department of Business Innovation and Skills
had said earlier that 2MBs was 'indicative' rather than
guaranteed.
Andy Carter from the Department of Business Innovation and
Skills said 11% of telephone lines in the UK could not get
broadband, but this could be overcome using BT's 21CN technology,
line conditioning equipment, and other means to improve signal
quality.
He said the proposed £6 a year levy would go to improve access
to higher speed networks mainly in urban areas.
What does Digital Britain mean for you?