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Next-generation broadband 'will arrive quicker if consumers pay more'
Thursday 13th May 2010, by Daniel King
Super-fast broadband would appear to be the words on everyone's lips at the moment.
The Financial Times revealed earlier this week that BT is planning on expanding its fibre-based broadband network from 40 per cent of British homes to 66 per cent.
And fresh investment in the program was confirmed by the telecoms firm, which stated in its final results for the fourth quarter of 2009 and the year leading up to the end of March that an extra £1 billion is to be pumped into the initiative.
In addition, fibre-optic infrastructure specialist i3 Group recently explained the Conservative Party is the only political organisation that have a "structured and believable strategy" for high-speed internet, even if its approach to the issue of broadband in rural regions is "vague".
However, Andrew Ferguson, editor at thinkbroadband.com, reckons super-fast services will only be delivered quickly if consumers shell out extra cash for the service.
He commented: "If the UK decides it wants faster broadband and is willing to pay extra, perhaps £10 a month more, then firms would be keener to roll it out, but if we insist on the lowest price possible, then we can only expect firms to deploy low-cost style solutions."
In addition, Mr Ferguson went on to suggest the new coalition government should relax business rates on fibre, as this would lead to internet service providers adding more fibre to the local loop, offering "fibre coverage above the expected 60 per cent".
Would you pay extra for super-fast broadband?
