UK govt unveils broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO) strategy plan

The government of the United Kingdom has revealed plans to ‘make sure no one is left behind on broadband access’, by putting access to high speed broadband services on par with other basic service such as water, gas and electricity. Under the initiative, everyone will have the legal right to request a 10Mbps connection by the end of the current parliamentary term in 2020. As such, work is in train to roll out the new broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO) no matter where they live. The USO is seen as a ‘safety net’ to ensure that every home and business can get the broadband speeds needed to do business online, access key services or stream live TV. It can be upgraded over time as technology and demand evolve. The government will be consulting on this in early 2016. David Cameron’s government claims to have already taken steps to improve the broadband experience for consumers; an official statement says: ‘Our investment means more than three million homes and businesses across the UK already have access to superfast speeds (24Mbps or better) for the first time. We are on track to reach 95% by the end of 2017 – a key part of the government’s long-term economic plan to bring more jobs, skills, growth and opportunities to the people of this country.’